Arabian Defence speaks with Mansour Al-Babtain, VP Commercial Partnerships & Liaison at World Defense Show (WDS), about the remarkable success of WDS 2024 and what it means for the future of the global defense industry. With significant growth in both size and scope, the event continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and collaboration. From the introduction of the Future Defense Lab to the expansion of delegation programs and strategic partnerships, the team behind WDS is dedicated to ensuring that the event remains a key player in shaping the future of defense. Excerpts from the interview:
The success of WDS 2024 seems to be unparalleled, with significant growth in both size and scope. Could you talk about what factors contributed to this success?
The unparalleled success of WDS 2024 can be attributed to several key factors, including its scale, international reach, and commitment to fostering meaningful industry connections.
The 2024 edition resulted with 773 exhibitors from 76 countries, drawing 106,000 trade visitors from 141 countries, and hosting 441 official delegations from 116 countries, with a total of 3,000 delegation members. The event not only facilitated global collaboration but also led to deals worth 26 billion SAR, underscoring its role as a premier platform for defense industry growth.
At its core, World Defense Show is shaping the future—it’s more than just an event; it’s a hub for both international and local companies to showcase innovation, explore new opportunities, and engage with key stakeholders. The show’s emphasis on cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking discussions continues to set it apart, driving its remarkable expansion in both size and scope.
What does the remarkable success of WDS 2024 mean for the future of defence industry?
The success of WDS 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the global defense industry, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth.
Looking ahead to WDS 2026, we are introducing a new feature—the Future Defense Lab. This will serve as an international hub for innovation, bringing together research centers, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the defense sector. By providing a platform for cutting-edge technologies and fostering cross-border cooperation, the Future Defense Lab will play a key role in shaping the next generation of defense capabilities.
As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its defense ecosystem, World Defense Show remains at the forefront of this transformation—facilitating high-level engagements, showcasing groundbreaking advancements, and driving meaningful industry evolution.
How effective were the programs like Meet the KSA Government, and the Delegation Program in fostering connections and helping companies grow within Saudi Arabia’s Defence sector?
The Meet the KSA Government and Delegations Program played a pivotal role in fostering connections and driving business growth within Saudi Arabia’s defense sector.
The Meet the KSA Government program will continue in WDS 2026 to provide exclusive access to key decision-makers, offering valuable insights into Saudi Arabia’s defense priorities and investment landscape. In 2024, in the span of two days, featuring 14 speakers, 160 attendees, and six participating entities, facilitating direct engagement between industry leaders and government representatives.
The Delegations Program remains an unparalleled international platform, offering exhibitors the opportunity to engage with top-tier dignitaries and military officials from around the world. Exclusively designed for exhibitors, the program provides a rare chance to showcase cutting-edge technologies and establish meaningful connections with key stakeholders shaping the future of defense. In 2024, the program saw an outstanding 441 international delegations from 116 countries, including over 100 ministers and more than 3,000 delegation members.
What steps are you taking to ensure WDS remains a key event for the global defence industry?
Building on the momentum of previous editions, WDS 2026 is set to be a transformative event, further solidifying its position as a global leader in defense exhibitions. Since its inception in 2022, the show has seen remarkable expansion, with the exhibition space increasing by 58%. In 2026, WDS will span an impressive 273,000 square meters, including a new fourth hall, reflecting the event’s continued growth and global appeal.
