Saudi’s World Defense Show reveals ‘overwhelming’ interest

Organisers have received “overwhelming” interest from hundreds of global, local and regional companies resulting in confirmed or reserved applications covering almost three quarters of the available exhibition space at the inaugural show in Riyadh from 6-9 March 2022.

Major global players including defence giants Lockheed Martin, Embraer, General Dynamics and Rolls-Royce are among those to have booked space. They will be joined by defense and security government bodies and Saudi entities including Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Military Industries Corporation as well as several local industry players.

Significant interest has been recorded from the Far East, which considers Saudi Arabia – located at the crossroads of three continents – to be a critical market given its welcoming investment environment, ease of doing business and government support to foreign investments.

Confirmed participants from this region include NORINCO and the Korea Defense Industry Association.

Shaun Ormrod, chief executive officer of World Defense Show, commented: “The overwhelming interest from local and global defence reflects World Defense Show’s unique proposition – creating an unmatched meeting environment for industry leaders in the heart of Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s leading defence industry markets, to discuss the future of interoperable defence.

“We are greatly looking forward to introducing a new global platform showcasing integrated defence capabilities on the international defence show circuit.”