Riyadh, February 08, 2024, The second edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) drew to a close today, marking the culmination of a highly successful event highlighted by the signing of 61 purchase contracts amounting to SAR26 billion. WDS 2024 boasted a remarkable turnout with 773 exhibitors and 441 official delegations representing 116 nations. Notably, the show attracted an impressive total of 106,000 visitors.
Throughout the duration of WDS, a total of 73 agreements were inked, including 17 industrial partnership deals, underscoring the event's significance as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the defense sector. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, for his esteemed patronage of this global gathering. Al-Ohali also extended appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as the GAMI Chairman of the Board of Directors, for their steadfast support, which played a pivotal role in the event's resounding success.
This resounding achievement underscores the leadership's commitment to establishing WDS as a premier international showcase featuring the world's leading defense and security firms. Aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to localize 50% of military services and equipment expenditures, a target that underscores its commitment to enhancing domestic capabilities and fostering innovation in the defense industry.
Al-Ohali extended heartfelt appreciation to all government entities, as well as local and international companies, whose participation contributed to the success of the second annual WDS. He also extended a warm invitation to all participants to reconvene in Riyadh in 2026 for the next iteration of WDS, reaffirming the show's dedication to facilitating cooperation, stimulating innovation, and exploring potential business opportunities within the defense and security sectors.
