Saudi Arabia to Hold Major Defense Show in March 2022

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia to Hold Major Defense Show in March 2022

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for domestic defense sector development (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The inaugural World Defense Show, Saudi Arabia’s international security and defense exhibition founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), is set to take place in Riyadh from March 6-9, 2022.

To be held under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event reinforces national commitment to the growth and success of the show – set to be one of the world’s leading defense events as well as the global hub for business and defense innovation, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

“On behalf of GAMI and World Defense Show’s Organizing Committee, we are honored and blessed with the continued support of the Kingdom’s leadership to strengthen the Kingdom’s position at the center of a more collaborative global defense industry,” said GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali

“The Royal Patronage is an extension of the leadership’s unwavering support to localizing 50% of military expenditure in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he added.

More than 800 exhibitors specializing in security and defense will partake in the event, which will also host senior officials and military delegations worldwide.

Every two years, the show will take place at a purpose-built 800,000 sqm venue in Riyadh, featuring the world’s first purpose-built runway for a defense event.

More so, the exhibition will feature interoperable defense solutions in the presence of Saudi’s key leadership, international delegations, and prominent industry decision-makers from around the world.

The show will host more than 30,000 visitors, including the world’s top industry experts. They will participate in thought leadership sessions focusing on the industry’s future across air, land, sea, space, and security.

The founder of the World Defense Show, Saudi Arabia’s GAMI, is the regulator, enabler, and licensor for the kingdom’s military industry.

GAMI is responsible for domestic defense sector development in line with KSA’s commitment to Vision 2030 and to localize 50% of military manufacturing by 2030.



MWL Denounces Mosque Bombing in Pakistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Denounces Mosque Bombing in Pakistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, the Saudi Press Agency said Saturday.

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Mohammed Al-Issa denounced the attack as a grave crime that violates all religious and humanitarian values, stressing the sanctity of human life and places of worship.

He reaffirmed the MWL’s rejection of violence and terrorism in all forms and expressed full solidarity with Pakistan in safeguarding its security and stability. Al-Issa also offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Pakistani people, praying for mercy for the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured.

A suicide blast at a mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed at least 31 people and wounded scores more during Friday prayers.


Arab, Slovenia FMs Discuss Gaza Peace Efforts

The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
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Arab, Slovenia FMs Discuss Gaza Peace Efforts

The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)

The foreign minister of several Arab countries and Slovenia met in Ljubljana on Friday to discuss efforts to boost regional and international security and stability, with focus on the Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Egyptian FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Bahraini FM Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and Qatari FM Sultan Al Muraikhi and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.

The FMs stressed the need to respect and fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement. They discussed the need to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to the enclave.

They tackled efforts to ensure the success of the peace plan launched by US President Donald Trump, and progress towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution.

The ministers discussed the situation in the occupied West Bank, stressing the need to halt illegal unilateral Israeli measures there and Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, which are deepening tensions and undermining all de-escalation efforts.

The ministers commended Slovenia's support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its recognition of the State of Palestine based on the two-state solution.

The talks also addressed developments in the region, ways to reduce tensions through negotiation and dialogue, and efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.


Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
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Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said work has begun on a defense cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia that includes joint investment in the production of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.

Erdogan said Türkiye’s progress in defense industries is being closely followed by Saudi Arabia, as well as by other countries, adding that Ankara is preparing to conclude significant agreements with Riyadh in this field.

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists on his return from a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with his remarks published on Thursday, Erdogan said: “We have received many positive comments on the Turkish fighter KAAN, and discussions are under way on joint investment with Saudi Arabia in this regard.”

He stressed that KAAN is not merely a combat aircraft but a symbol of Türkiye’s engineering capabilities and its determination to maintain an independent defense posture. He added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this area is likely to expand, including through joint investments.

In February 2024, Türkiye announced the successful first flight of its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries. With this milestone, Türkiye became one of only five countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft and aims to export the jet.

KAAN is designed to carry out air-to-air combat missions and conduct precision strikes from internal weapons bays at supersonic speed.

Erdogan said he held “highly productive” talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Riyadh on Tuesday, noting that Saudi Arabia holds a special place for Türkiye in defense industries, transport, healthcare, investment, and construction services. Bilateral trade reached $8 billion in 2025, while Turkish contractors have completed more than 400 projects in the Kingdom worth a total of $30 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia and Türkiye share aligned views on regional issues, stressing that both countries oppose any new war in the region and favor peace, stability, and calm, which he said would benefit all parties.