World Defense Show 2024 wrapped up yesterday, achieving significant milestones including 61 orders.
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 MoU agreements were inked, of which 17 were offset agreements, highlighting the event’s role as a pivotal platform for global defence collaboration and innovation.
Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of 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, said: “The 2024 edition of the World Defense 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 programs, including the International Women in Defence Programme, Future Talent Programme, and Defence 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.