RIYADH: International exhibitors have shown a strong early interest in the biennial event by securing half of the space at the World Defense Show in Riyadh in 2026.
The 800,000 square meters defense and security exhibition will take place from February 8–12, following the triumphant conclusion of its second edition in February. A record 773 exhibitors attended the event, hoping to profit from the Kingdom’s ranking as one of the world’s top defense spenders.
Saudi Arabia allotted SR269 billion ($71.70 billion) for the military this year in the state budget unveiled in December 2023. This represents an increase of 8.5 percent over the 2023 estimates.
“The demand has been phenomenal,” stated World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey. To the approval of the international industry, four months after the show’s second edition concluded, we have already sold half of the floorspace for the third edition.
“Many of the leading multi-domain companies in the industry reserved their booths for 2026 during the 2024 event,” he continued. Without a doubt, the World Defense Show in 2026 will be a crucial occasion for international businesses involved in the defense supply chain. The CEO highlighted that the event’s third edition further solidifies the entity’s position as the emerging global hub for the defense industry.
Also Read:
ADIB and DIFC Innovation Hub Establish a Strategic Alliance
Coal India and a US Company are Investigating Lithium Assets in Argentina.