World Defense Show 2026 introduces a Future Defense Lab to connect startups with global defense leaders.

At IDEX 2025, the World Defense Show (WDS), organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia, announced updates and expansions for its third edition in 2026 under the theme ‘The Future of Defense Integration.’ Details of the event, made at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, outlined the expansion of exhibition space and new industry-focused features. Scheduled for 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, the event will showcase developments in defense technology across air, land, sea, space, and security domains.
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The upcoming edition of WDS will cover 273,000 square meters, including a newly added fourth hall, as well as the Future Defense Lab, hosting industry participants ranging from startups to established companies. (Picture source: World Defense Show)

The World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 aims to facilitate collaboration among global defense stakeholders and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which includes the goal of localizing 50 percent of Saudi Arabia’s defense spending. The upcoming edition will cover 273,000 square meters, including a newly added fourth hall. Since its first edition in 2022, the total exhibition space has increased by 58 percent. Currently, 65 percent of the WDS 2026 exhibition space has already been allocated to participants, indicating a growing global interest for the Saudi defense sector. Speaking of which, the Delegations Program, which in 2024 facilitated meetings between representatives from 441 delegations across 112 countries and exhibitors, will return.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, stated that the 2026 edition is set to be larger in scale and scope than previous editions. The planned expansions are based on feedback from prior events and aim to enhance collaboration and technological exchange within the defense sector. Therefore, Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, stated that the 2026 edition is set to be larger in scale and scope than previous editions. The planned expansions are based on feedback from prior events and aim to enhance collaboration and technological exchange within the defense sector.

Attendees will have access to networking events, including ‘Meet the KSA Government,’ which provides details on Saudi Arabia’s business regulations, discussions on defense industry trends, and static and live displays. New features include the Future Defense Lab, which will provide a platform for industry participants ranging from startups to established companies to showcase new technologies. The Unmanned Systems Zone will highlight developments in autonomous technology, while the Naval Zone will focus on maritime defense and security.WDS 2026 will also introduce the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, designed to integrate small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the global defense supply chain, an initiative created to support local industry by connecting Saudi companies with international partners.

WDS is managed by GAMI, Saudi Arabia’s regulatory authority for military industries, which oversees the development, regulation, and licensing of the sector. GAMI’s objectives include localizing over 50 percent of defense expenditures and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. Through WDS, GAMI seeks to present Saudi Arabia’s role in the defense industry and its focus on technological advancement and self-sufficiency.