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RIYADH: The World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh from Feb. 8 to 12 has sold 90 percent of its exhibition space, according to the organizers.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the WDS, said: “The overwhelming demand for exhibition space is a testament to the show’s growing reputation as a must-attend event for those shaping the next era of defense and global security.” 

He said the presence of WDS officials at the recent International Defence Industry Fair provided “an excellent opportunity to connect with key industry players and highlight the remarkable progress we’ve made in preparing for WDS 2026.” 

Pearcey was speaking at IDEF 2025 last week in Istanbul where the team met with key Turkish defense stakeholders.

Expanded from its first and second editions, the WDS will feature several new sections, with an additional hall increasing floor space to 273,000 sq. meters, more than 58 percent larger than the first edition in 2022.

Held under the theme “The Future of Defense Integration,” the WDS will showcase the latest advancements across all five defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security. 

The show is expected to feature exhibitor participation from 80 countries, including new participants Japan, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Finland.

Turkiye is the third largest participating country, with Turkish exhibitors currently occupying 4,400 sq. meters of exhibition space.

According to the organizers, Turkish participation is expected to grow exponentially.

New programs in the upcoming edition will include a defense and security industry lab, and an exhibition of future technologies.

A ������Ƶ supply-chain zone will allow local small- and medium-sized enterprises to network with key global players. 

Several panel discussions will be held at the show including on technology, manufacturing and trade. 

Organized by ������Ƶ’s General Authority for Military Industries, the event is a key part of the Kingdom’s ambition to localize 50 percent of its defense spending by 2030.

Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries in ������Ƶ, the first edition was held in 2022 on the outskirts of Riyadh.

It attracted 600 exhibitors from 42 countries, 82 military and defense delegations, and 65,000 visitors from 85 countries.

RIYADH: The third Diriyah Horizon youth summer program began on Sunday, organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in partnership with several entities to build youth skills and promote cultural and national values.

Collaborators include the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, Saudi Space Agency, iLMI Science Discovery and Innovation Center, and Mahd Sports Academy.

The program offers hands-on learning experiences to enrich participants and boost educational outcomes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It reflects the authority’s commitment to education and social responsibility by providing a dynamic environment filled with diverse, skill-building activities.

Running until Aug. 21, the program features six specialized tracks inspired by Diriyah’s heritage and values, including 14 workshops.

The leadership track covers debate, volunteerism and public speaking. The heritage track explores archeological excavation and traditional mudbrick construction. The creative production track focuses on photography and filmmaking. The science track includes water systems, soil science, sustainable energy and aircraft design.

The space track offers interactive sessions on astronomy, space technology and Diriyah’s agricultural seasons, while the sports track features fencing and archery.

Held Sunday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the program aims to shape a conscious, capable generation rooted in Saudi identity. It fosters pride, cultural awareness, creativity, innovation and real-world problem-solving.