50% of World Defense Show 2026 space is already sold to exhibitors 20 months ahead.

Following the success of its second edition in February 2024, the World Defense Show 2026 has registered significant early demand from international exhibitors, with floorspace for the event already 50 percent sold on June 18, 2024. This news comes twenty months ahead of the event, highlighting the growing interest and significance of the show. The third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) is set to take place from February 8-12, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and expects greater demand from exhibitors, visitors, and delegations.
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In its 2024 edition, the World Defense Show saw a record number of 773 exhibitors showcased on an expanded floorspace, which sold out six months before the event opened. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In its 2024 edition, the World Defense Show saw a record number of 773 exhibitors showcased on an expanded floorspace, which sold out six months before the event opened. The rapid selling of floorspace for the 2026 edition indicates a faster pace compared to previous years. Andrew Pearcey, Chief Executive Officer of the World Defense Show, mentioned that just four months after the second edition closed, 50 percent of the floorspace for the third edition had already been sold. Many leading multi-domain businesses booked their stands for 2026 during the 2024 event. Pearcey believes that World Defense Show 2026 will be a critical event for global companies across the defense supply chain.

The WDS team was present at Eurosatory, held from June 17-21, 2024, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, to meet potential exhibitors and provide more information about the 2026 event. This opportunity allows exhibitors to book their space while it is still available. Pearcey noted that this development further establishes WDS's position as an emerging global hub for the defense industry, highlighting growth in the size of the event, the number of exhibitors and visitors, and the expertise and influence of those taking part in panels, presentations, and discussions.

He added that the show serves as a gateway to partnership and collaboration with the Saudi Arabian defense industry and as a global networking and policymaking event. The World Defense Show welcomes senior delegations from around the world to meet with representatives of the international defense industry in a confidential and impartial setting.

WDS 2026 will see the return of many networking features and programs, including the 'Meet the KSA Government' program. This program shares the latest developments on the Kingdom’s business guidelines, investment requirements, and partnership processes. The Delegations Program will also return, having previously matched high-ranking officials from 441 delegations representing 112 countries to exhibitors looking to expand into their specific markets. The extended B2B Connect will once again facilitate meetings between buyers and suppliers across the supply chain.

Other signature features and new show themes and networking opportunities will be announced for WDS 2026 over the coming months.

Organized by the Saudi General Authority for Military Industries, the World Defense Show 2024 featured over 773 exhibitors and attracted 106,000 visitors from 76 countries. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Founded by Saudi Arabia’s defense industry regulator, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the World Defense Show serves as a global stage for innovation and technological advancement in the defense industry across four key domains: air, land, sea, and security. The event, covering every sector and tier of the defense industry, will deliver networking programs with high-profile attendees, live air and ground displays of advanced defense solutions, and knowledge-sharing segments that will generate opportunities for local and global military industries sectors at the center of the global supply chain. The show will be held in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s key leadership, international delegations, and prominent industry decision-makers from around the world.

GAMI, the founder of the World Defense Show, is responsible for domestic defense sector development in line with KSA’s commitment to Vision 2030. This vision aims to localize 50 percent of domestic defense equipment and services expenditure by 2030.

The World Defense Show 2024, held from February 4-8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked its second edition with significant international participation. Organized by the Saudi General Authority for Military Industries, the event featured over 773 exhibitors and attracted 106,000 visitors from 76 countries. The show provided a platform for showcasing defense technologies and fostering international collaboration. Key highlights included live demonstrations of land and air defense systems, featuring displays like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale C, and various unmanned systems. The event also saw deals and agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HAVELSAN, the Saudi Ministry of Investment, and GAMI.

Additionally, the World Defense Show 2024 emphasized the growing importance of multi-domain operations and advanced defense technologies. This included a focus on counter-drone systems, reflecting the global security landscape influenced by conflicts such as the Ukraine war. Companies like MARSS and BAE Systems highlighted their innovations in this field. The show also showcased a wide array of unmanned ground and aerial vehicles, along with advanced naval technologies, underscoring the event's comprehensive coverage of the defense sector. The significant international presence, including a delegation from China, highlighted the event's role in promoting global defense collaboration and innovation.

During the World Defense Show 2024, several world premieres highlighted the event, showcasing innovative technologies and defense solutions. Notably, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation unveiled the Thunderer A2000, a new medium unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for combat, marking an addition to China's naval capabilities.

Additionally, the event featured the Defense Space Arena, which debuted as a central attraction, providing an introduction to space defense developments. This new feature included interactive exhibits and discussions on the critical role of space in future military operations, with contributions from industry players like BAE Systems, Boeing Space, and Lockheed Martin. The show also saw the premiere of several new unmanned ground vehicles and anti-drone systems, reflecting the latest advancements in defense technology.