The World Defense Show (WDS) began in 2022, and since its inception has grown significantly, seeing an almost 60 percent increase in its physical footprint leading into its third edition in 2026.
The coming show will have five new features, with a focus on cutting-edge technology in fields such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems. Previous features such as flying and land demonstrations will return. The show expects more than 900 exhibitors across four halls, and is launching a news network to provide the audience with exhibitor interviews and thought leadership.
Breaking Defense discussed what to expect from next year’s show with World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey.
Breaking Defense: This is the third edition of the World Defense Show. How has the show evolved since inception, and what can we expect this year from new features such as the Future Defense Lab, Naval Zone, Unmanned Systems Zone and WDS News Network? Are there any returning features you’d like to mention?
Pearcey: The show has evolved significantly since its 2022 inception, expanding in terms of size and, more importantly, impact. Our physical footprint has grown by 58 percent since 2022, with exhibition space now spanning over 273,000 square meters, including a new fourth hall to accommodate overwhelming global demand — signifying our rapid ascent as an unmissable global platform for the defense industry.
For WDS 2026, we’ve significantly expanded our offerings, introducing five new features, each meticulously designed to propel the global defense community toward future-defining outcomes. These include the Future Defense Lab, a dynamic hub debuting groundbreaking technologies in critical areas like AI, unmanned systems, and quantum tech; the Unmanned Systems Zone, showcasing innovative autonomous technologies across various domains; and the Naval Zone, highlighting critical advancements in maritime defense.
We are also introducing the WDS News Network, our content-driven platform to engage with our audience before, during, and after the show, through exclusive exhibitor interviews and thought-leadership pieces. Beyond these new additions, attendees can still expect our ever-popular flying displays and comprehensive live land demonstrations, which offer unique, real-world scenarios of defense capabilities in action.
Tell us about the Saudi Supply Chain Zone and its purpose.
In line with Vision 2030, our all new Saudi Supply Chain Zone brings Saudi SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs to the heart of the exhibition, giving local innovation a seat at the global table. This is an impactful space dedicated to bringing forth the ingenuity and innovations arising from local talent, offering impactful networking and partnership opportunities. We anticipate this initiative to drive business growth for Saudi companies, enable vital technology transfer, and ultimately fuel localization efforts.
WDS positions itself as a premier knowledge exchange platform for the global defense industry. Can you elaborate on the various ways the show facilitates this exchange, beyond the exhibition floor?
Our expanded Content Theater program, in association with knowledge partner KPMG, stands as the intellectual core of the show, with two dedicated theaters each situated in the Future Defense Lab and Saudi Supply Chain Zone. WDS understands the immense value in promoting a collaborative environment where stimulating discussions are held, setting the pace of the industry’s future.
Furthermore, our Future Talent Program is a vital feature returning to 2026, which actively engages and prepares the next generation of Saudi defense professionals, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent and fresh perspectives for the industry. For this edition, we’ve collaborated with the Ministry of Education to host a Defenseathon, an innovation challenge providing participants more active inclusion in the show.
How do you anticipate participation in this upcoming edition?
Participation already proves to be sky-rocketing. We have a record-breaking 80 countries exhibiting, with new nations joining our diverse roster, and three out of our four halls sold out, leaving very limited exhibition space remaining. This clearly signals that the World Defense Show is no longer establishing itself, but is now a well-established and an essential name amongst the global defense community.
We’re expecting 925 exhibitors, significantly surpassing the 773 exhibitors hosted in 2024. While an increase in participation naturally anticipates a significant number of deals to be signed – in 2024 we facilitated SAR 26 billion in agreements – much of our value can’t be quantified solely into numbers. We foster unparalleled networking opportunities and create connections with potential for long-term impact, extending well after WDS 2026 concludes, with our new features further amplifying this value.
What is the significance of the World Defense Show in connecting Saudi Arabia’s defense sector with the global defense landscape?
World Defense Show was established by GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) with the purpose of enabling strategic access and investment into Saudi Arabia’s up-and-coming defense industry in direct support of Vision 2030’s goal to localize 50 percent of defense expenditures. Since inception, we have grown our platform to be a globally recognized industry event, offering a unique gateway to tap into Saudi Arabia’s transforming defense landscape. Through each edition, we’ve expanded, adapting to market shifts and staying on the pulse of industry trends, launching new features that resonate with local, regional, and global players.
Having SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) as our National Strategic Partner, the entity responsible for spearheading localization efforts, has undoubtedly been beneficial as their ongoing involvement at WDS emphasizes innovation, localization, and the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable, world-class defense sector. Notably, we facilitate direct access to key decision-makers through our Meet the KSA Government Program, which provides crucial investment and procurement insights, smoothing the pathway for international partners to enter the Saudi market and contribute to its growth.
To ensure a successful experience, what are some practical tips or important details participants/attendees need to know?
Planning ahead is essential to ensure a successful experience at WDS 2026. We strongly encourage exhibitors and visitors to apply for their badges well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays. For our exhibitors, it’s crucial to log in to your portal regularly and review all upcoming deadlines to ensure a smooth setup. Additionally, we recommend checking our website’s ‘Plan your visit’ page, which offers comprehensive guidance, including information on securing the best possible deals on hotels with HotelMap, the official accommodation agency for WDS, and securing transportation from the city of Riyadh to our purpose-built venue.
In summary, what are the essential takeaways you want to convey through this interview?
With our trade visitor registration portal now open, I hope potential attendees have a firmer grasp on the immense value and exciting innovations we have in store for the 2026 edition. Beyond that, my key message is to reinforce WDS’s position as a vital global platform representative to both local and global stakeholders — a proactive facilitator of strategic partnerships and crucial knowledge exchange, actively driving the defense industry into its next era of integration and innovation. It’s an unmissable event for anyone looking to play a role in shaping the future of defense.