SDAIA: World Defence Exhibition 2026 and the Future of Smart Defence in Saudi Arabia
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is steadily progressing towards becoming a leading international platform in shaping the future of smart defense. He explained that the World Defense Show 2026 will be a pivotal event in realizing this position, showcasing the latest global innovations in defense fields and advanced technologies that rely fundamentally on data and artificial intelligence.
Strategic importance and international dimensions
The statements by the head of SDAIA come at a time when the world is witnessing a radical shift in the concepts of warfare and security systems, where military power no longer relies solely on traditional equipment but has moved to digital battlefields and smart systems. In this context, the Kingdom's role as a pivotal player in the region and the world stands out, as the exhibition provides a fertile environment for major global technology companies to exchange expertise and build strategic, cross-border partnerships.
The event gains significance from its role as a key supporter of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which aims to localize more than 50% of government military spending. This localization extends beyond heavy industries to include advanced software, intelligent analytics systems, and cybersecurity solutions, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's strategic independence and diversifying its national economy.
Artificial intelligence: The backbone of future defense
During his visit to the current edition of the exhibition held in Mulham, north of Riyadh, Dr. Al-Ghamdi reviewed the latest technological solutions that employ machine learning algorithms in field decision-making. He noted that SDAIA works in full integration with various military and security sectors to ensure that data is utilized as a strategic national asset, contributing to increased operational readiness and the efficiency of defense systems.
The tour included visits to the pavilions of local and international companies showcasing automation technologies, smart monitoring systems, and predictive risk analysis. These technologies are a cornerstone of the Kingdom's "smart defense" concept, as integrating artificial intelligence into defense operations contributes to reducing human error, accelerating response times, and improving operational accuracy.
Partnerships for knowledge transfer and technology localization
The visit was more than just an inspection tour; it included a series of high-level meetings with leaders of major technology companies. Discussions focused on mechanisms for knowledge transfer, localization of emerging technologies, and building an innovative national ecosystem to support entrepreneurs and national companies in this vital sector. This approach underscores the Kingdom's commitment to becoming not just a consumer of technology, but a partner, developer, and source of smart solutions in the near future, further solidifying Riyadh's position as a capital of technology and innovation in the Middle East.
