To host the third world defense show in Saudi Arabia Riyadh, February 2026, to promote local defense industry. world News
Saudi Arabia will host the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh from 8-12 February 2026 under the patronage of King Salman. This landmark International Defense Exhibition shows innovation, global participation and hug of the state of its drive to make defense construction local as part of the International Defense Exhibition Vision 2030.TL; Dr:
- The WDS 2026 will run in Riyadh on 8–12 February, expanding four exhibition halls, an increase in size 58% from the opening event.
- Focus region: global cooperation, technology transfer, talent development, and localization of military expenses.
- The previous (2024) hosted 773 exhibitions, 76 countries, 441 delegations, shutdown SR26 billion in deals, and attracted 106,000 visitors.
About World Defense Show and Saudi Arabia’s vision
The World Defense Show (WDS) increased prominently since the launch in 2022, which has been emerging as an important platform for leaders, suppliers and innovators of the global defense industry. Saudi Arabia takes advantage of the program to demonstrate its investment in domestic military industries, promote technology transfer and attract talent from all over the world.The exhibition is a focal point for Saudi efforts to make 50% of defense spending locally by 2030, which is to promote national development, stability and world class industrial abilities along the 2030. Underlines the strategic importance of the conservation area by the patron of two holy mosques.
Event highlights and expansion
WDS 2026 will add a fourth exhibition hall to a fourth exhibition hall to increase the capacity of the site by 58% compared to the first version. Organizers promise a rich visiting experience with industry-agronic features, new material currents centered on technological progress, and forums for government-industry educationist cooperation.CEO Andrew Piersie said that the WDS 2026 aims to strengthen the defense supply chain, enabling new business deals and catalyze future size debate and innovation. The event will continue to add global delegation, prominent weapons manufacturers and emerging defense talent.
Previous editions and effects
- 2024 edition: 773 exhibitors from 76 countries, 441 international delegation, SR26 billion facility in deals, and 106,000 business visitors welcomed.
- The show’s rapid growth spotted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the development, technology and international cooperation of the defense sector.
Saudi Arabia’s WDS 2026 hosting shows its ambition to lead the defense industry through investment, innovation and global partnership, promoting progress and supply chain flexibility in military technologies. The extended incident has promised to cement the position of Riyadh as a hub for defense policy, deals and industry dialogues on world -class scale.
Fasting
- 1. When and where will the third world defense show be held?
It will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 8 to 12 February 2026. - 2. What are the new features of WDS 2026 compared to previous versions?
The 2026 phenomenon will have a fourth exhibition hall, in which the total space will increase by 58%, in which new material is focusing on technology transfer and talent development. - 3. Which will officially open
World Defense Show 2026 ,
The event will be opened by Rajkumar Khalid bin Salman, Defense Minister and Gummy Vice President. - 4. What is the importance of world defense show for Saudi Arabia?
It supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting local military industry development, innovation and global defense participation. - 5. How big was the previous version of the World Defense Show?
The 2024 edition hosted 773 exhibitors from 76 countries, with more than 106,000 visitor and SR26 billion signed.
