18 Jan World Defense Show set to bolster international investment and innovation
Saudi Arabia, historically a major importer of defense technology, is aiming to localise 50% of military spending by 2030 – unlocking substantial commercial opportunities for global firms. Boeing, Raytheon, and FIGEAC AÉRO Group are among those who have already signed joint venture deals with the Kingdom’s various defense entities, reflecting a new era of international investments into the country.
The next opportunity to discover investment opportunities in the regional defense supply chain is Saudi Arabia’s inaugural World Defense Show, a gathering of the world’s top industry players in a showcase of the latest defense technology.
Bringing together more than 30,000 visitors and leading industry experts from around the world to showcase the latest in defense technology and business opportunities, the event is set to take place in Riyadh from March 6 to 9, 2022.
Be a part of the localisation of Saudi military capabilities
World Defense Show’s Meet the KSA Government program, led by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and the Saudi Ministry of Defense, will introduce participants to guidelines for investments in Saudi Arabia and upcoming opportunities for partnerships supported by sponsors NIDLP & Invest Saudi. A dedicated Saudi Pavilion Hall featuring more than 100 local companies and government entities, including the Ministry of Defense, will give investors an opportunity to explore the local defense ecosystem.
In addition to local stakeholders, the show boasts a line-up of 85 international military delegations and 300 influential industry figures who are set to convene at the IISS Riyadh Defense Forum on day zero of World Defense Show in an exclusive event for high-level attendees. The Summit will set the tone for the various Thought Leadership Sessions at World Defense Show, which will cover the latest industry insights and strategies. Among the show’s exhibitors are international defense entities like Embraer, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, NORINCO, and Rolls Royce. Up and coming ventures will be connected to local and international investors looking for new opportunities.
Defense innovation taking centre stage
A key priority of World Defense Show is to encourage technological innovation in the defense industry to counter evolving defense threats. Visitors will experience interoperable technologies across all five defense domains – land, air, sea, space, and security – through a 23,200 sqm exhibition area. An interactive Command and Control Centre will enable visitors to experience the latest defense systems in real-time.
The event will feature a dedicated start-up hub promoting local and international defense tech talents and giving up-and-coming defense start-ups the opportunities to pitch their ideas and products to investors. World Defense Show’s Investor-Investee program is designed to give defense start-ups and SMEs the opportunity to connect with a global network of industry decision makers, private and public investors as well as venture capitalist firms.
Trade visitors have until February to register for the show and benefit from a year-long complimentary Saudi visa, to allow for further partnerships beyond the event.
To attend World Defense Show in Riyadh from 6-9 March 2022, visit the following link.