A key outcome of Vision 2030-led growth, Riyadh has quickly become a prime destination for international investment, and the future of defense is no exception.

Riyadh Defense Forum, the first-of-its-kind event in the region, will kick off at World Defense Show. Up to 300 of the most influential military and governmental figures from around the world will gather at the event hosted by renowned think-tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Scheduled for 5^th March 2022 and held at the Ritz Carlton, Riyadh Defense Forum will introduce international observers to the dialogues shaping the global defense landscape. Through tailored and unique research IISS and high-level guests will discuss the cutting-edge research underpinning the state and evolution of defense in the 21^st century.

Access to international delegations is available to exhibitors at World Defense Show. Meet the highest-level international dignitaries and military representatives at World Defense Show. Through the Delegations Program, business-to-business and business-to-government connections are due to be forged with delegations from over 60 countries.

The structured program and its dedicated team will ensure a seamless onsite experience to build new business opportunities and relationships. There is no better environment to get best-in-business defense products and solutions in front of senior defense decision-makers.

World Defense Show offers access for qualified and credible suppliers to meet one-on-one with exhibitors from every tier of the supply chain. Up to 600 one-on-one meetings are due to take place in a dedicated Meet the Buyer area to bring together global buyers with pre-vetted suppliers and industry decision-makers.

A sophisticated match-making system will pre-arrange meetings to ensure buyers and suppliers are connected efficiently and on the basis of shared interests. Meet the Buyer Program reinforces World Defense Show as an optimal meeting environment for the industry. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds the key to a national defense ecosystem with significant growth potential.

At World Defense Show, Meet the KSA Government Program will introduce key KSA defense government entities to international and regional exhibitors to share the latest developments surrounding Saudi Arabia’s tendering and procurement guidelines, investment requirements and partnership processes to operate in line with the national defense industry’s overall strategy and objectives. 

Sessions will be conducted by representatives from the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense and the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment.

World Defense Show is dedicated to creating opportunities across the defense industry for innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs that are set to impact the future of defense. The Investor-Investee Program creates an environment specifically designed for start-ups looking to pitch their ideas, products and business strategies to generate interest for investment.

World Defense Show’s dedicated Start-Up Hub will host the latest defense-related technologies driven by small and medium companies from around the world. This feature will play host to an exclusive networking environment to introduce SME products to industry decision-makers, investors and venture capitalist firms.

The future of defense cannot be forged without today’s young talent. As a driver of Vision 2030’s national workforce development ambition, World Defense Show’s Future Talent Program will connect 5,000 exceptional STEM students to career opportunities and apprenticeship programs in the defense sector.

The program will excite, engage and educate students through hands-on interaction with technologies, inspirational speakers, and guidance on the various academic and vocational routes into the sector. This showcase is designed to offer young professionals valuable advice to kickstart and progress their careers.   

The scale of integration among land, air, sea, space, and security technologies will be brought to life in a 23,000 sqm demonstration area. World Defense Show’s veritable battleground for interoperability-in-action will immerse audiences in simulations of mission-critical scenarios integrating the latest domain capabilities.

Alongside this show-within-a-show, an off-road desert zone will be available for OEMs wishing to provide passenger experience for potential customers.

Rapid technological developments bring into question the challenge of meeting multi-faceted defense needs. In a series of thought leadership sessions, defense industry experts will tackle this critical topic from the perspective of geopolitics, economics, strategy, innovation, and workforce development.

Daily themed panel discussions and keynote presentations will introduce the audience to insights that gave rise to the technologies exhibited at World Defense Show. Key Saudi entities that are developing the Kingdom’s industry and economy will deliver sessions that offer insights into Saudi Arabia’s defense industry transformation. 

Representation matters. World Defense Show aspires to honour women’s critical role in defense. On International Women’s Day, leading women in defense will gather at a special event to celebrate, promote, and accelerate women’s participation in the defense industry. The one-day event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and more to advocate for and connect the diverse voices of today’s defense community.

Globally, women remain largely underrepresented in the traditionally male-dominated world of defense. World Defense Show is committed to serve as a platform to channel global and local progress through initiatives that promote gender equality.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors across business and tourism, World Defense Show will host a cultural program to take guests on a captivating journey through the Kingdom’s rich history.

Creating opportunities for international cultural exchange, activities will offer visitors a chance to experience the local customs and traditions of the Kingdom. Traditional live music, dance performances, calligraphy artisans, literature and falconry are just some of the experiences to offer a glimpse into Saudi’s heritage.