RIYADH — The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), founder of Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show, has announced a venue expansion amid unprecedented exhibitor demand for space at the inaugural event that is set to take place between March 6-9, 2022 in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.

With less than four months to go until the show, organizers confirmed the expansion of Exhibition Hall 1, adding more than 14,500 sqm to serve international defense companies looking to exhibit.

Construction of the purpose-built 800,000 sqm site, featuring the world’s first dedicated runway for a defense event, is on track for completion by end of December 2021. The show will host more than 800 exhibitors, including 100 local defense companies, with a series of senior military delegations and officials set to attend.

By that point the new hall will be completed along with a new access road, land forces demonstration area and courtyard, set to serve as a central point of access for 60 hospitality suites playing host to high-level meetings between suppliers and buyers.

CEO of the World Defense Show Shaun Ormrod commented: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming interest from the international defense industry to exhibit at the inaugural World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia. Dedicated to tech integration across the industry’s five domains, the event offers room for all defense-related companies to come together to showcase true interoperability at the greatest level."

“A major benefit of building our venue from the ground up is that we start with a blank canvas and can really listen to our customers, whether they are local start-ups or international OEMs. We can not only make sure there is enough space for all exhibitors, but we can also build bespoke facilities for integrated live demonstrations. This includes a 3km runway for military aircraft and a unique off-road desert zone for OEMs wishing to provide their customers with a real-life passenger experience", Ormrod added.

Supported by Strategic Partner, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), World Defense Show is the global stage for defense interoperability across five domains: land, air, sea, space and security. By connecting key defense contacts, primes, SMEs, and buyers, World Defense Show has laid the foundations to advance the defense industry and launch an industry-wide front against the challenges presented by ever-deeper defense systems integration.

Early-bird registration for defense industry professionals looking to attend the show is live with passes starting at SAR 350 ($95) until the end of November 2021. All vetted international attendees will receive a complimentary multi-entry visa to Saudi Arabia – valid for one year – to facilitate progress and developments in the Kingdom’s defense industry post-show. — SPA