Following the resounding success of its second edition in February 2024, the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 is already experiencing significant early demand from international exhibitors, with half of the event's floorspace already booked.
The WDS 2024 in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh hosted a record-breaking 773 exhibitors across an expanded floorspace, completely selling out six months prior to its opening. Anticipation for the third edition suggests an even faster pace of sales, driven by heightened interest from exhibitors, visitors, and delegations alike.
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, 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. 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,” Pearcey was quoted as saying in a press release.
The WDS team has attended the Eurosatory, scheduled to held from June 17-21 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, giving potential exhibitors an opportunity to find out more about the 2026 event, and book their space, while it is still available.
Pearcey said: “This news further cements our position as the emerging global hub for the defense industry. 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.”
“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 added.
Founded by Saudi Arabia’s defense industry regulator, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), WDS serves as the global stage for innovation and technological advancement in the defense industry across four key domains: air, land, sea and security.
The third edition, WDS 2026, is set to take place between Feb. 8-12, 2026 in Riyadh.
WDS 2026 will reintroduce many of its acclaimed networking features and programs, including the highly successful 'Meet the KSA Government' program. This initiative provides valuable insights into the Kingdom’s business guidelines, investment requirements, and partnership processes.
The show's expanding Delegations Program, which in 2024 connected high-ranking officials from 441 delegations representing 112 countries with exhibitors seeking to penetrate specific markets, will also be a highlight. Additionally, the extended B2B Connect will facilitate meetings across the supply chain between buyers and suppliers.
Further signature features and new themes for networking opportunities at WDS 2026 will be unveiled in the coming months.
