Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Defense Exhibition - the most important global event in the field of defense and security - in the presence and participation of the giants of the aviation, security and defense industries from 37 countries. The event has officially sold out all exhibition space and is ready to open its doors from March 6-9. Organized by the Kingdom’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and supported by its partner, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the World Defense Show is the global stage for defense interoperability across five domains: land, air, sea, space and security. Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that the event was a great opportunity for investors from around the world to conclude partnerships, transfer technology and develop local competencies, with the aim to support the goals of the Kingdom’s vision to localize more than 50 percent of its military spending by 2030. Building Alliances Ahmed Al-Jubeir, an economic expert, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the World Defense Exhibition was a great opportunity for companies and investors to build alliances and come up with investments of international quality, with modern technologies that keep pace with the Kingdom’s future aspirations. He added that the presence of international companies would help reproduce international experiences in the sector to achieve the country’s goals, invest in advanced military industry, localize the companies and transform the Kingdom into a leader in modern military industries. Al-Jubeir emphasized the exhibition would support Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy and contribute to the achievement of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The Riyadh Forum A day before the launch of the exhibition, the International Institute for Strategic Studies will organize the “Riyadh Defense Forum” as a preparatory event, where it will host an elite of military and political figures from around the world to discuss the latest sector trends that will shape the future of defense and security. The forum will be followed by the Riyadh Salute event, where international military aircraft will fly over Riyadh to perform an amazing air show. The World Defense Show will kick off on March 6 with an opening ceremony featuring live demonstrations of defense and security interoperability capabilities in all areas, attended by thousands of visitors and hundreds of industry giants including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Navantia, BAE Systems, L3 Harris and Norinco. More than 450 companies from around 37 countries will participate in displaying the latest industry technologies across land, sea, air, space and information security, in an ideal environment for networking and innovation. Participants The Kingdom will showcase its local capabilities in the security and defense industries, through the Saudi pavilion, with the wide participation of military and governmental authorities and local companies. Those will include the Ministry of Defense - the main partner of the exhibition, along with the ministries of Interior and National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the General Authority for Military Industries and a number of other agencies. Strategic Partner A large number of national companies will participate in the event, including the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI) - the strategic partner of the exhibition, which will provide great opportunities to communicate with investors from around the world in order to establish partnerships, transfer technology and develop local competencies. Defense Market “The industry response has been overwhelming. It reveals major confidence from the global industry in the Kingdom’s defense market,” said Andrew Pearcey, CEO at World Defense Show. He added that the first edition would be an ideal opportunity for industry leaders from around the world to learn about the industry system in Saudi Arabia and its strategic directions, and to meet the main partners through specially designed communication programs to stimulate partnerships and deals between buyers and suppliers at all levels in the supply chain. Registration to attend the exhibition is available for defense and security professionals through the World Defense Exhibition website. All international participants who are issued permits will obtain a free multiple-entry visa to the Kingdom, valid for one year, with the aim of advancing the defense and security industry in the country.