The 2026 World Defense Show (WDS), organized by the General Directorate of Military Industries (GAMI), entered its second day on Monday and focused on innovation and defense integration to support national industrial development and improve future capabilities.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al Ohri delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to building an advanced and globally competitive defense industry.
He said Saudi Arabia continues to invest in a defense industry built on innovation and partnerships, ensuring an integrated approach to defense and security.
He added that WDS 2026 reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead the world through technology that increases responsiveness, strengthens supply chains and supports localization under Vision 2030, according to SPA.
Following these remarks, Saudi senior defense leadership led a series of high-level discussions to set the strategic direction for the kingdom’s national defense transformation. Chief of Staff Fayyad Al Ruwaili spoke, highlighting the priority of building a future-ready integrated defense and discussing how global operational trends will shape the Saudi approach.
In the larger venue, the Content Theater program officially opened, bringing together senior speakers from Saudi Arabia and other countries for high-level discussions on industrial development, aerospace industry growth, defense investment, and supply chain strengthening. These sessions highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic direction and commitment to building a future-ready defense ecosystem. In parallel with the leadership program, activities across the Future Defense Lab and the Saudi Supply Chain Zone continued to foster expert engagement and industry dialogue, and served as an additional platform to support collaboration and capacity building.
“Day 2 demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping the future of defense technology and industrial capabilities. Through strong participation, forward-looking programs and strategic leadership, WDS will continue to serve as a global meeting place for innovation and collaboration,” said World Defense Show CEO Andrew Piercy.
World Defense Show 2026 will feature live demonstrations, strategic programs and initiatives across the air, land, sea, space and security sectors throughout the week. This year, 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries will gather, as well as defense leaders, innovators and investors contributing to Saudi Arabia’s long-term industrial transformation.
