29 Apr World defense Show in Saudi starts phase 2 of exhibition site construction
Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show has officially started on Phase 2 of construction of its 800,000 sqm venue near Riyadh – featuring the world’s first purpose-built runway for a defense event.
More than one million tonnes of earth have been processed in the first week of works in preparation for the construction of the flagship event’s exhibition halls, access roads and car parking areas. The show will host over 800 exhibitors including 100 local defense companies, with a series of senior military delegations and officials set to attend.
According to organisers, the first of two halls is on track for completion by October this year. By December 2021, the second hall will be completed along with a new access road, land forces demonstration area and courtyard – a central point of access for dozens of hospitality suites playing host to high-level meetings between suppliers and buyers.
All runway clearing and excavation activities were finalised in Phase 1 of construction, with 89% of grading works completed – paving the way for state-of-the-art demonstrations of the latest military aircraft during the four-day event from 6-9 March 2022.
Shaun Ormrod, CEO of the World Defense Show, commented: “World Defense Show is the first event to be dedicated to tech-integration across the industry’s five domains, showcasing true interoperability at the greatest level – a topic that has become a growing challenge for defense decision makers around the world. The exhibition area will use interactive technologies for product displays, simulations, and engaging seminars on an unprecedented scale.
“We are also proud to be the world’s first defense event to host a runway on site for live military aircraft demonstrations.”
Founded by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), World Defense Show is the global stage for defense interoperability across five domains: land, sea, air, security, and satellite. The world-class event will take place between 6-9 March 2022 and reoccur biennially in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.