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World Defense Show

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World Defense Show
Formation6 March 2022; 2 years ago (2022-03-06)
FounderSaudi General Authority for Military Industries
TypeExhibition
PurposeTo provide a platform the world's defense industry to network, partner, share knowledge and discover new innovations and capabilities across all defense domain
HeadquartersRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
Region served
Worldwide
Chairman
Ahmad Al-Ohali
CEO
Andrew Pearcey[1]
Websitewww.worlddefenseshow.com

The World Defense Show is a biennial defense and security exhibition held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[2] Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the event showcases technological developments in the Defense Sector from around the globe.[3] While the inaugural 2022 edition emphasized defense interoperability, the 2024 theme, "Equipped for Tomorrow," centers on the future technologies shaping the defense and security industry.[4]

Overview

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The inaugural edition of the World Defense Show took place in March 2022.[5] Over the course of four trade days, the event saw participation from 600 defense and security exhibitors from 42 countries. The show concluded with SAR29.7bn in deals and received 80 military delegations, and 60,000 visits.[6] In the 2024 edition, the show is set to feature 750 exhibitors from 75 countries and is expected to attract 100,000 trade visitors.[7] The 2024 edition is also expected to solidify its position as a premier global defense and security exhibition.[8]

History

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From its inception in 2022, the show has positioned itself as one of the premier defense and security exhibitions globally.[9] The event reflects Saudi Arabia's role as a global driver of collaboration, innovation, and business opportunities in the defense sector.[10] The relationships and knowledge-sharing facilitated by the show aim to foster investment and growth in Saudi Arabia's defense and security industry, aligning with the Kingdom's goal to localize over 50% of its military expenditure by 2030.[11]

Events

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The World Defense Show is held every two years, the inaugural edition took place in 2022 with editions planned for 2024, 2026, 2028, and 2030.[12][13]

Participation

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The 2022 edition of the World Defense Show brought together 600 exhibitors from 42 countries and welcomed65,000 trade visitors, culminating in deals worth SAR29.7bn. For the upcoming2024 edition, the show is anticipated to feature 750 exhibitors from 75 countries and is expected to attract 100,000 trade visitors. Additionally, this edition is expected to receive high-level delegations, including Ministers of Defense,highlighting the event's significance on the global defense stage.

Location

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The World Defense Show is hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility spanning 800,000 sqm. To accommodate the demand for the 2024 edition, a new Hall 3 was constructed. The expansive venue comprises three large exhibition halls, outdoor exhibit spaces, a land demonstration track, a 2,700-meter runway for flying displays, static aircraft displays for large military assets, dedicated networking areas, conference spaces, and hospitality outlets.

Management

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•HE Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali: Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI)

•Andrew Pearcey: chief executive officer, World Defense Show

•Sultan Al-Malik: Chief of Staff, GAMI

Senior Executive Team

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•Mansour Al-Babtain: Chief KSA Liaison Officer

•Sumaia Nababteh: Executive Director of PMO, World Defense Show

•Mansoor AlQarni: Chief Financial Officer, World Defense Show

•Sarah Gladstone: Executive Director of Ops, World Defense Show

References

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  1. ^ "WDS Leadership".
  2. ^ (الرياض), «الشرق الأوسط»; (جدة), «الشرق الأوسط» (2020-07-15). "الرياض لإطلاق معرض دفاع عالمي في 2022". aawsat.com (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  3. ^ "السعودية توطن 8 % من إنفاقها العسكري وتدعمه بمعرض للدفاع العالمي في 2022". صحيفة الاقتصادية (in Arabic). 2020-07-16. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  4. ^ "World Defense Show in Riyadh Announces Surge in Interest at Paris Air Show". euro-sd.com. 2023-06-22. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  5. ^ Peri, Dinakar (2022-03-13). "Ukraine crisis delays Ak-203 assault rifle deal with Russia". The Hindu. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  6. ^ "Saudi Arabia, Japan Sign 15 Agreements, Establishing Qualitative Partnership". english.aawsat.com. 2022-12-27. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  7. ^ "Saudi Arabia's first World Defense Show in Riyadh ends with $7.9 billion in deals". Al Arabiya English. 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  8. ^ "Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show ready for launch after selling out all exhibition space". Saudigazette. 2022-02-07. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  9. ^ Tiwari, Sakshi (2022-08-19). "THAAD To GUARD Saudi Arabia! Riyadh Adds Teeth To Its Defense Armor With America's 'Best Missile System'". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  10. ^ "Strong international demand leads to sell-out of second world defense show". Saudigazette. 2023-09-14. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  11. ^ "Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show 2024 to woo investors, attract wider audience". Arab News. 2023-07-27. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  12. ^ "Defence heads and industry influencers to speak at World Defense Show". Times Aerospace. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  13. ^ Spotlight, Industry (2023-12-13). "Be immersed in pioneering tech innovation at World Defense Show 2024". Shephard. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
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