SAR 33B military, defense deals sealed during World Defense Show 2026

The third edition of the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh secured 60 military and defense deals worth a combined SAR 33 billion, according to Ahmed Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and Chairman of the show’s supervisory committee.

As reported by the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Ohali said event spans a total area of 272,500 square meters — up 58% from the inaugural edition — across four fully booked halls. The five-day show drew a record 1,486 exhibitors from 89 countries, alongside 513 official delegations from 121 countries, and attracted 137,000 visitors.

He added that 355 live air shows were made, while 70 thought-leadership sessions were held across three main theatres featuring 151 speakers. The sessions showcased the latest defense capabilities across air, land, sea, space and security domains. More than 1,453 journalists covered the event, in addition to global broadcast networks and digital platforms.

The edition also saw participation from the world’s top 10 defense companies, underscoring growing international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s military industries sector and in the exhibition as a strategic platform for agreements, partnerships and technology transfer.

With the close of this year’s event, GAMI has begun preparations for World Defense Show 2028, aiming to build on 2026 gains and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 while strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global defense industry.