Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Below the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Common Authority for Navy Industries (GAMI) will host the third version of the World Protection Present (WDS) in Riyadh in February 2026.
On behalf of the King, Minister of Protection and GAMI Vice Chairman Prince Khalid bin Salman will open the grand world occasion, scheduled to happen from February 8 to 12. The World Protection Present embodies the Kingdom’s visionary management, serving as a future-focused, domain-driven worldwide occasion designed to be the gold commonplace for world protection exhibitions. It receives full help from all related ministries, authorities, and firms, with participation from strategic entities in each the Saudi private and non-private sectors.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of GAMI Mohammed bin Salman for his or her beneficiant patronage and unwavering help for the navy industries sector.
“The royal patronage is an extension of the management’s unwavering help to localizing 50 % of navy expenditure according to the Kingdom’s Imaginative and prescient 2030. This dedication to innovation and cooperation exemplifies our dedication to fostering world partnerships, leveraging our strategic location, and harnessing the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities. Collectively, we’re shaping the way forward for protection, guaranteeing stability and development for our nation,” he mentioned.
World Protection Present CEO Andrew Pearcey mentioned: “The 2026 version will construct on the collaboration between authorities and trade to create a novel surroundings the place the worldwide protection provide chain can meet, share concepts, and do enterprise. By expanded venue capability, cutting-edge content material, and a robust give attention to expertise switch and expertise growth, WDS 2026 will function a worldwide catalyst—bringing collectively leaders, innovators, and rising expertise to chart the trail for the protection trade’s future.”
WDS is increasing its 2026 version with a fourth exhibition corridor, rising its whole exhibition area by 58 % in comparison with the inaugural occasion. The venue is designed to the very best worldwide requirements, which is able to improve cooperation, partnership constructing, and the general customer expertise.
The World Protection Present has grown considerably with every version. The 2024 occasion noticed participation from 773 exhibitors representing 76 international locations, hosted 441 official worldwide delegations, facilitated SR26 billion in offers, and attracted 106,000 commerce visits, constructing on the success of the inaugural 2022 version.