World Defense Show 2024, held in Riyadh under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wrapped up on 8 February 2024, achieving significant milestones that included 61 orders totalling a value of SAR 26 billion (EUR 6.43 billion).
The event boasted participation from over 773 exhibitors from 76 countries and more than 441 official delegations from 116 countries, drawing in an impressive attendance of 106,000 visitors. Throughout the duration of the show 73 memoranda of understanding were signed, of which 17 were offset agreements, highlighting the event’s role as a pivotal platform for global defence collaboration and innovation.
His Excellency Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), expressed his appreciation for the global defence community’s engagement and extended a special acknowledgment to the Saudi leadership for their patronage, stating: “We are deeply gratified by the global defence community’s keen interest in Saudi Arabia as a major player in the defence industries sector. World Defense Show 2024 has effectively connected industry leaders and innovators from across the globe, showcasing our nation’s growing influence and capabilities. I extend my profound thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, for their esteemed patronage. Their visionary leadership is crucial in driving our nation towards achieving the Vision 2030 objectives, particularly in localising more than 50% of defence expenditure and bolstering the Saudi defence and security industry.”
Andrew Pearcey, Chief Executive Officer of the World Defense Show, commented, “The 2024 edition of the World Defense Show has provided international exhibitors with access to Saudi Arabia’s ever-growing defence and security market. With extensive international participation and substantial deals announced, the show has facilitated invaluable networking, knowledge sharing, and commercial relationship building, helping establish it as the premier defence and security show in the region. I look forward to welcoming the global defence community back to Riyadh in 2026.”
The show featured a range of thought-provoking and industry-leading programmes, including the International Women in Defense Program, Future Talent Program, and Defense Space Arena, each contributing to sector growth, collaboration and human capital development. These programmes not only celebrated achievements and discussed challenges, but also set the stage for future collaboration and growth in the defence industry.
As preparations begin for its third edition in 2026, World Defense Show looks forward to continuing its role as a global driver of collaboration, innovation and business opportunities in the defence and security sectors.
For more details on World Defense Show 2024 and upcoming events, please visit: www.worlddefenseshow.com
