By Muhammad Rafiq
RIYADH: World Defense Show 2024 held under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wrapped up today, achieving significant milestones including 61 orders, totaling a value of SAR 26 billion. The event boasted participation from over 773 exhibitors from 76 countries and more than 441 official delegations from 116 countries, drawing in an impressive attendance of 106,000 visitors. Throughout the duration of the show, 73 MoU agreements were inked, of which 17 were offset agreements, highlighting the event’s role as a pivotal platform for global defense collaboration and innovation.
His Excellency Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of GAMI expressed his appreciation for the global defense community’s engagement and extended a special acknowledgment to the Saudi leadership for their patronage, stating:“We are deeply gratified by the global defense community’s keen interest in Saudi Arabia as a major player in the defense industries sector. World Defense Show 2024 has effectively connected industry leaders and innovators from across the globe, showcasing our nation’s growing influence and capabilities. I extend my profound thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, for their esteemed patronage. Their visionary leadership is crucial in driving our nation towards achieving the Vision 2030 objectives, particularly in localizing more than 50% of defense expenditure and bolstering the Saudi defense and security industry.”
Andrew Pearcey, Chief Executive Officer of the World Defense Show, commented: “The 2024 edition of the World Defense has provided international exhibitors with access to Saudi Arabia’s ever-growing defense and security market. With extensive international participation and substantial deals announced, the show has facilitated invaluable networking, knowledge-sharing, and commercial relationship-building helping establish it as the premier defense and security show in the region. I look forward to welcoming the global defense community back to Riyadh in 2026.”
The show featured a range of thought-provoking and industry-leading programs, including the International Women in Defense Program, Future Talent Program, and Defense Space Arena, each contributing to sector growth, collaboration, and human capital development. These programs not only celebrated achievements and discussed challenges, but also set the stage for future collaboration and growth in the defense industry.
As preparations for the third edition in 2026 begin, World Defense Show looks forward to continuing its role as a global driver of collaboration, innovation, and business opportunities in the defense and security sectors.
