World Defense Show (WDS), founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) as the National Strategic Partner for the fourth edition of the show.
The World Defense Show, founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), will take place in Riyadh from January 16-20, 2028.
The renewed partnership reflects World Defense Show's ongoing commitment to building long-term relationships with leading national and international organizations that support the continued development of Saudi Arabia's defense industry, strengthen industrial collaboration, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of localizing more than 50% of military spending by 2030.
Since its launch, World Defense Show has established itself as a global platform that connects governments, defense companies, investors, innovators and industry leaders, while showcasing Saudi Arabia's growing role as a hub for international defense cooperation and industrial development. Through its longstanding partnership with SAMI, World Defense Show continues to expand opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term sector growth.
As National Strategic Partner, SAMI will continue supporting World Defense Show's mission to convene the global defense ecosystem while reinforcing the Kingdom's ambitions to develop a competitive and sustainable defense industry.
The partnership builds on the success of World Defense Show's record-breaking 2026 edition, which welcomed more than 137,000 trade visitors, 1,486 exhibitors from 89 countries, and 513 official delegations representing 121 nations, further reinforcing the Show's position as one of the world's leading defense events.
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show, said: "SAMI has been an integral partner since the very beginning of World Defense Show, and we are delighted to continue that journey together as we prepare for the 2028 edition. Strategic partnerships with national champions such as SAMI play an important role in strengthening World Defense Show as a global platform for collaboration, innovation and industrial engagement. Together, we look forward to creating new opportunities that support Saudi Arabia's growing defense ecosystem and its long-term ambitions under Vision 2030."
Saud AlAbdullatif, Acting Chief Communication & Support Services Officer, at Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), said: "Our continued partnership with World Defense Show reflects SAMI's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's defense industry ambitions and strengthening the Kingdom's position within the global defense ecosystem. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and industrial capability development while supporting the objectives of Vision 2030." -TradeArabia News Service