Riyadh: The World Defense Show (WDS), organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), has announced that 96% of the exhibition space for its third edition-scheduled to be held in Riyadh from February 8 to 12, 2026-has already been booked. The event will occur under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with participation from government entities and leading national and international companies.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the announcement coincided with WDS’s participation in the Saudi pavilion at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, held from September 9 to 12, 2025. Through its participation at DSEI, the WDS team is highlighting the unprecedented demand for the third edition and engaging directly with global leaders and decision-makers. The upcoming show is expected to host delegations from 80 countries and approximately 925 exhibitors, up from 773 in 2024.
British participation is set to increase notably, with the UK pavilion expanding by 15% compared with 2024. So far, 28 British companies have confirmed, with the number expected to rise to between 35 and 40. Participants include BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Draken, Systematic, and Rheinmetall UK.
WDS CEO Andrew Pearcey affirmed the show’s role in delivering outcomes that help shape the future of the defense industry. He emphasized the keen interest of British companies in participating, reflecting the importance of opportunities aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
The third edition will focus on the future of defense integration through advanced technologies. A cornerstone of this focus will be the Future Defense Lab, which will showcase innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, robotics, autonomous vehicles, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, space technology, and advanced materials. It will also host specialized thought-leadership sessions and launch the Investor Program, designed to connect investors directly with exhibitors to accelerate pioneering defense solutions.
WDS 2026 will be the largest and most impactful edition to date, with expanded exhibition space totaling 273,000 square meters-a 58% increase since 2022. New features include the Unmanned Systems Zone, Naval Zone, and Saudi Supply Chain Zone, all aimed at strengthening collaboration and defining the future of global defense.
With space limited, WDS has urged interested exhibitors to confirm participation promptly. The registration platform for trade visitors has also been launched, allowing individuals and companies to secure badges for the event.
