Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 26 January, 2025 — World Defense Show (WDS) proudly announces continuation of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) for the show’s third edition, to be held 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SAMI has been a key partner since the inception of WDS, and this continued collaboration plays an integral role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s defense ecosystem and national goals under Vision 2030.

SAMI, a driving force in the Kingdom's defense transformation, has helped power the success of the previous two editions of WDS. Likewise, SAMI leverages the WDS platform to support its mission of scaling up the defense industries sector. The ongoing partnership between WDS and SAMI underscores their roles in supporting the localization of 50% of the Kingdom’s defense expenditures, thus expanding Saudi Arabia's global competitiveness in the defense sector.

As a national champion of defense localization, SAMI, alongside WDS, is strongly aligned with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, contributing to the broader strategy in areas of economic diversification and national talent development. This valuable partnership deepens mutual commitments to drive technological innovation, strengthen the Kingdom’s defense sector, attract international partnerships and investments, and bring local talent to the forefront.

Founded by General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), WDS 2026 will showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations across all defense domains—air, land, sea, space, and security. The event provides an unparalleled platform for industry leaders, governments, SMEs, and local startups to network, forge new partnerships, and explore investment opportunities, all while highlighting Saudi Arabia’s evolving defense capabilities. Building on the immense success of the 2024 edition, WDS 2026 offers enhanced opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global defense community.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show, commented: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with SAMI for the third edition of WDS. Their leadership in defense localization and innovation is central to the success of the show and to the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals. Together, we are helping to shape the future of defense, both locally and globally."

Wael M Al Sarhan, SAMI’s Chief Communication and Support Service Officer, added: "Our strategic partnership with World Defense Show underscores our commitment to contributing to the localization of the Kingdom’s defense spending, a core target of Saudi Vision 2030. ‎ Reflecting our dedication to showcasing national capabilities by advancing cutting-edge technologies and fostering national talents to develop world-class defense products and services— to build a self-sufficient defense ecosystem that supports the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals."

For further details about the World Defense Show, visit: https://www.worlddefenseshow.com/

About World Defense Show (WDS)

Founded by Saudi Arabia’s defense industry regulator, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), WDS serves as the global stage for innovation and technological advancement across air, land, sea, space, and security domains. Reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to becoming a premier global destination for major events, WDS drives the Kingdom’s aspirations to be the future hub of the defense industry. Aligned with Vision 2030, WDS supports the Kingdom’s objective to localize 50% of military expenditures, reinforcing its commitment to a self-sufficient national defense industry. Positioned strategically and backed by economic strength, Saudi Arabia is set to achieve its goals.

Following its inaugural edition in 2022 and a successful second edition in 2024, the third edition, taking place from 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, will feature networking programs, live demonstrations of advanced defense solutions, and knowledge-sharing segments that will generate opportunities for local and global military industries. World Defense Show will be held in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s key leadership, international delegations and prominent industry decision makers from around the world. To learn more about the show, visit www.worlddefenseshow.com.

About General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI)

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), founder of the World Defense Show, serves as the key organization responsible for regulating, developing, and licensing Saudi Arabia’s military industries sector. Working alongside public and private partners, GAMI is committed to achieving the Vision 2030 goal of localizing over 50% of the Kingdom’s defense spending, strengthening national manufacturing capabilities, and positioning the sector as a vital pillar of the national economy, with a direct positive impact on the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030. Through WDS, GAMI showcases the Kingdom’s dedication to technological advancement and self-sufficiency in defense.

About SAMI:

Established in May 2017, SAMI is a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) working under the directives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030. Aiming to be among the top 25 defense industries companies in the world by 2030, SAMI plays a significant role in contributing to the localization of 50% of the Kingdom’s defense spending, a key target of Saudi Vision 2030. SAMI combines the latest technologies and the best national talents, with the aim of developing innovative defense products and services of global specifications across its five business divisions: SAMI Aerospace, SAMI Land, SAMI Sea, SAMI Defense Systems, and SAMI Advanced Electronics. It also focuses on increasing exports and bringing International investment to the Kingdoms defense industries sector.

For more information, visit sami.com.sa or e-mail us at info@sami.com.sa or call us at (920000977)
For media inquiries or interviews, Kindly contact SAMI’s Public Relations Team at: PR@sami.com.sa