RIYADH: International exhibitors have already secured half of the space at the World Defense Show set to be held in Riyadh in 2026, demonstrating strong early interest in the biennial event. The defense and security exhibition, scheduled for Feb 8-12 and covering an area of 800,000 sq. m., follows the successful conclusion of its second edition in February. The event attracted a record number of 773 exhibitors, all aiming to capitalize on the Kingdom’s status as one of the largest defense spenders worldwide. In the state budget announced in December 2023, Saudi Arabia allocated SR269 billion ($71.70 billion) for the military sector this year, reflecting an 8.5 percent increase from the 2023 estimates. Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the World Defense Show, said: “The demand has been phenomenal. Just four months after the second edition of the show closed, to global industry approbation, we have already sold 50 percent of the floorspace for the third edition.” He added: “Many of the industry’s leading multi-domain businesses booked their stands for 2026 during the 2024 event. I am in no doubt that World Defense Show 2026, will be an essential event for global companies across the defense supply chain.” The CEO highlighted that the third edition of the event further solidifies the entity’s position as the emerging global hub for the defense industry. The early bookings for the event are in line with the show’s vision to serve as a platform where the global defense industry can convene, connect, and gain valuable insights into the latest innovation-driven defense and security solutions. The event also aims to foster integration across air, land, sea, space, and security domains to accelerate advancements in defense technologies. “We have grown each year, in the size of our event, in the number of exhibitors and visitors, but also in the depth and breadth of expertise and influence of those taking part in our panels, presentations and discussions,” Pearcey said. “Our impact is effected in two ways, as a gateway to partnership and collaboration with the Saudi Arabian defense industry, but more importantly as a truly global networking and policymaking event, welcoming senior delegations from around the world to meet representatives of the international defense industry in a confidential and impartial setting,” he underlined. The World Defense Show team are attending Eurosatory 2024, held from June 17 to June 21 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. This event will allow potential exhibitors to learn more about the 2026 initiative and book their space while it is still available. The World Defense Show 2026 will see the return of many of the event’s networking features, including the “Meet the KSA Government” program, which shares the latest developments on the Kingdom’s business guidelines, investment requirements as well as partnership processes. Held at the heart of the global supply chain, the show will bring together the most prominent players and start-up visionaries from the defense domain to collectively craft the sector’s future.