Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, General Authority for Military Industries announces return of World Defense Show in February 2024

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the General Authority for Military Industries has announced the return of the World Defense Show for a second edition. scheduled from February 4— 8, 2024 in Riyadh, the World Defense Show is the industry's leading event globally and will spotlight the future of defense through a showcase of the most advanced technology available.
World Defense Show supports the vision of the Kingdom's leadership, demonstrated through the return of this specialist international event
that sets a benchmark for other global exhibitions related to defense and security.
On the announcement, His Excellency Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Eng. Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali,
voiced his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of General Authority for Military Industries. His Excellency thanked them for the special care and unlimited support the defense sector receives to enhance the Kingdom's strategic independence. His Excellency also underlined how the support received
is key to evolving the national military industry, towards the goal of localizing more than 50% of Saudi's spend on military equipment and services by 2030.
He added, "the exhibition will be a strategic means of supporting the endeavors of our dear country to achieve our localization goals.
It will also provide an ideal environment to exchange knowledge on successful international and local experiences, while introducing the latest technologies and innovations used in the field. One further key aim of the event will be to strengthen the Kingdom's
international partnerships and create major new investment opportunities."
Investment opportunities are open to all manufacturers and international service providers who share the Kingdom's vision of supporting
technology transfer, talent development, and the localization of the industry.
Following the success of WDS 2022, WDS organizers have received significant interest to participate. As part of the overall enhancement
initiatives and to address this high demand, WDS organizers are reviewing expansion plans to include a third exhibition hall offering industry with a further 25% of additional exhibition space, to compliment the two existing main halls. Purpose built for
WDS, the venue provides unrivalled facilities and features that deliver the very best platforms to connect our industry.
On the returning exhibition, Andrew Pearcey, CEO, World Defense Exhibition, commented "We are excited to present the second edition of
WDS in February 2024 as we focus on the Future of Defense and shine a light on new and future innovation and technology. We have big ambitions for the next event and our teams are working hard to deliver an enhanced edition with tailored networking programs
set to feature delegations, governments, supply chain and investors. The show in 2022 was sold out and we have overwhelming interest from Exhibitors and new industry shapers looking to participate. In order to accommodate this growing demand, we are looking
to expand our venue to accommodate an additional space. This is testament to the ongoing success of the event."
The first edition of the World Defense Show, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in March 2022, led to the
signing of military and defense procurement contracts between local and international bodies totaling approximately SAR29.7 billion ($7.92 billion). The inaugural exhibition also attracted 600 exhibitors,, over 100 military delegations, 85 participating countries
and saw the attendance of more than 65,000 visits overall.