With the World Defense Show (WDS) having successfully taken place this year from 8 to 12 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the exhibition’s organisers are already looking ahead to the next show in 2026. In the interview below, Andrew Pearcey, the WDS CEO, answers questions about what the 2026 WDS has in store
Q: WDS has grown rapidly over the past four years, becoming a headliner in the defence event calendar. Following the success of 2024’s edition with its ‘Equipped for Tomorrow’ theme, can you reveal the theme of the 2026 edition?
A: We are currently working on the 2026 edition, scheduled to take place from 8 to 12 February, and the industry can expect an even bigger and better event. We are building on the show’s theme ‘Equipped for Tomorrow’ and further details on show themes, features and content will be released over the coming months. We are excited about the direction we are heading towards and look forward to sharing more details as the event approaches.
Q: What are the key notable changes or highlights planned for WDS 2026 compared to WDS 2024 that you can shed light on?
A: WDS 2026 is set to surpass the success of the 2024 edition with several exciting enhancements. We have already sold 50% of the floorspace, which indicates strong interest from the global defence community. Attendees can look forward to more interactive exhibits, enhanced networking opportunities and innovative platforms for collaboration.
Many of the industry’s leading multi-domain businesses booked their stands for 2026 during the 2024 event. I am in no doubt that World Defense Show 2026 will continue its incredible upward trajectory and be the must attend event for global companies across the defence supply chain.
Q: How many new countries and exhibitors do you expect to participate in WDS 2026?
A: We’re thrilled about the growing global interest in WDS 2026. As a truly international event, we welcome participants from all corners of the world. It’s exciting to see that 50% of our floor space is already sold, which reflects strong confidence in the event. We’ve already received stand reservations from 27 countries, with notable interest from Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, Turkey, and the USA leading the way. This strong early interest makes us anticipate a significant increase in participation from new countries and exhibitors, adding even more diversity and global reach to WDS 2026.
Q: What novel solutions are we likely to see displayed by the Saudi industry at WDS 2026, considering the lessons learned from recent conflicts?
A: World Defense Show continues to be a pivotal discussion hub for the global defence community, facilitating collaboration and co-operation among industry leaders and governmental entities. This collaborative environment fosters the development of solutions that address contemporary defence challenges while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sector.
By highlighting Saudi Arabia’s contributions, WDS 2026 will demonstrate how the defence industry can evolve to meet modern security demands, making it more resilient and capable of adapting to dynamic conflict situations. We are committed to delivering an event that stands as the most significant on the global defence calendar, providing exceptional value to all exhibitors and attendees.
Q: What sectors of the defence equipment market are being particularly prioritised by local players in the Gulf region?
A: Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to localise 50% of military expenditure, local players are focused on offering global value across a diverse range of defence domains. Key sectors being prioritised include artificial intelligence, cyber security, unmanned systems, and advanced missile defence systems. Additionally, there is a significant emphasis on enhancing local manufacturing capabilities to create a robust, self-sustaining defence industry. This strategic focus not only boosts regional defence capabilities but also stimulates economic growth and technological innovation within the Gulf region, ensuring a resilient and advanced defence infrastructure.
