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World Defense Show 2026 Future of Defense Integration Unfolds in Riyadh.
The World Defense Show 2026 is set to be a key event for the defense industry, taking place from February 8 to 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The official announcement was made at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025, which opened on February 17, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the United Arab Emirates. This event brings together major defense industry players, government delegations, and military officials from around the world. As the official online and Web TV coverage partner, the Army Recognition editorial team is on-site, providing real-time updates, in-depth analysis, and high-quality video reports. The team is capturing key moments from the exhibition, offering global audiences direct access to the latest military technologies, defense innovations, and strategic agreements shaping the industry.
With its expanded format and focus on innovation and industrial development, WDS 2026 positions itself as a pivotal event for the future of the defense sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond (Picture source: WDS)
The World Defense Show 2026, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), will be held under the theme “The Future of Defense Integration” and aims to strengthen international collaboration while supporting the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s defense sector in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030.
During IDEX 2025, organizers announced a significant expansion of the exhibition space, which will reach 273,000 square meters—an increase of 58% since the inaugural edition in 2022. This expansion includes a fourth hall and the introduction of new thematic zones, including the Future Defense Lab, a dedicated space for startups and companies showcasing new technological developments.
The World Defense Show continues to establish itself as a central platform for defense industry professionals, with growing interest in the 2026 edition—65% of the exhibition space has already been reserved. The Delegations Program, which in 2024 facilitated engagements between 441 delegations from 112 countries and exhibitors, will return to support strategic discussions and industry cooperation.
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, emphasized that this edition will be the largest and most comprehensive to date. The planned improvements and expansions are based on feedback from previous editions, aiming to enhance opportunities for technological and industrial collaboration. The event will feature multiple networking opportunities, including the “Meet the KSA Government” session, which will provide insights into Saudi Arabia’s business regulations and defense sector investment prospects.
Among the new zones, the Future Defense Lab will allow emerging companies to present innovations designed to transform the industry. The Unmanned Systems Zone will highlight advancements in autonomous technologies and drones, while the Naval Zone will focus on maritime defense and security. Another key initiative, the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, aims to integrate local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the global defense supply chain, facilitating partnerships between Saudi firms and international companies.
GAMI plays a central role in overseeing the event as the regulatory and development authority for Saudi Arabia’s military industry. The organization continues its efforts to increase local production, with a target of manufacturing over 50% of the country’s defense needs domestically. Through WDS, Saudi Arabia seeks to highlight its defense industry capabilities and expand cooperation with international defense companies.
With its expanded format and focus on innovation and industrial development, WDS 2026 positions itself as a pivotal event for the future of the defense sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Industry professionals, investors, and decision-makers will find an environment conducive to partnerships and the exploration of emerging defense technologies.