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Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show to Feature Industry Giants

Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Defense Exhibition - the most important global event in the field of defense and security. (Photo: SPA)
Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Defense Exhibition - the most important global event in the field of defense and security. (Photo: SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show to Feature Industry Giants

Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Defense Exhibition - the most important global event in the field of defense and security. (Photo: SPA)
Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Defense Exhibition - the most important global event in the field of defense and security. (Photo: SPA)

Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Defense Exhibition - the most important global event in the field of defense and security - in the presence and participation of the giants of the aviation, security and defense industries from 37 countries.

The event has officially sold out all exhibition space and is ready to open its doors from March 6-9.

Organized by the Kingdom’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and supported by its partner, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the World Defense Show is the global stage for defense interoperability across five domains: land, air, sea, space and security.

Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that the event was a great opportunity for investors from around the world to conclude partnerships, transfer technology and develop local competencies, with the aim to support the goals of the Kingdom’s vision to localize more than 50 percent of its military spending by 2030.

Building Alliances

Ahmed Al-Jubeir, an economic expert, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the World Defense Exhibition was a great opportunity for companies and investors to build alliances and come up with investments of international quality, with modern technologies that keep pace with the Kingdom’s future aspirations.

He added that the presence of international companies would help reproduce international experiences in the sector to achieve the country’s goals, invest in advanced military industry, localize the companies and transform the Kingdom into a leader in modern military industries.

Al-Jubeir emphasized the exhibition would support Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy and contribute to the achievement of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Riyadh Forum

A day before the launch of the exhibition, the International Institute for Strategic Studies will organize the “Riyadh Defense Forum” as a preparatory event, where it will host an elite of military and political figures from around the world to discuss the latest sector trends that will shape the future of defense and security.
The forum will be followed by the Riyadh Salute event, where international military aircraft will fly over Riyadh to perform an amazing air show.

The World Defense Show will kick off on March 6 with an opening ceremony featuring live demonstrations of defense and security interoperability capabilities in all areas, attended by thousands of visitors and hundreds of industry giants including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Navantia, BAE Systems, L3 Harris and Norinco.

More than 450 companies from around 37 countries will participate in displaying the latest industry technologies across land, sea, air, space and information security, in an ideal environment for networking and innovation.

Participants

The Kingdom will showcase its local capabilities in the security and defense industries, through the Saudi pavilion, with the wide participation of military and governmental authorities and local companies. Those will include the Ministry of Defense - the main partner of the exhibition, along with the ministries of Interior and National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the General Authority for Military Industries and a number of other agencies.

Strategic Partner

A large number of national companies will participate in the event, including the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI) - the strategic partner of the exhibition, which will provide great opportunities to communicate with investors from around the world in order to establish partnerships, transfer technology and develop local competencies.

Defense Market

“The industry response has been overwhelming. It reveals major confidence from the global industry in the Kingdom’s defense market,” said Andrew Pearcey, CEO at World Defense Show.
He added that the first edition would be an ideal opportunity for industry leaders from around the world to learn about the industry system in Saudi Arabia and its strategic directions, and to meet the main partners through specially designed communication programs to stimulate partnerships and deals between buyers and suppliers at all levels in the supply chain.

Registration to attend the exhibition is available for defense and security professionals through the World Defense Exhibition website. All international participants who are issued permits will obtain a free multiple-entry visa to the Kingdom, valid for one year, with the aim of advancing the defense and security industry in the country.

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Saudi Arabia, Syria Sign Joint Airline and Telecoms Deals

Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)
Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia, Syria Sign Joint Airline and Telecoms Deals

Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)
Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed deals Saturday that include a joint airline and a $1-billion project to develop telecommunications, officials said, as Syria seeks to rebuild after years of war.

The new authorities in Damascus have worked to attract investment and have signed major agreements with several companies and governments.

Syrian Investment Authority chief Talal al-Hilali announced a series of deals including "a low-cost Syrian-Saudi airline aimed at strengthening regional and international air links".

The agreement also includes the development of a new international airport in the northern city of Aleppo, and redeveloping the existing facility.

Hilali also announced an agreement for a project called SilkLink to develop Syria's "telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity".

Syrian Telecommunications Minister Abdulsalam Haykal told the signing ceremony that the project would be implemented "with an investment of around $1 billion".

For decades, Syria was unable to secure significant investments because of Assad-era sanctions.

But the United States fully removed its remaining sanctions on Damascus late last year, paving the way for the full return of investments.

Syria and Saudi Arabia also inked an agreement on water desalination and development cooperation on Saturday.

At the ceremony, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih announced the launch of an investment fund for "major projects in Syria with the participation of the (Saudi) private sector".

The deals are part of "building a strategic partnership" between the two countries, he said.

Syria's Hilali said the agreements targeted "vital sectors that impact people's lives and form essential pillars for rebuilding the Syrian economy".

Syria has begun the mammoth task of trying to rebuild its shattered infrastructure and economy.

In July last year, Riyadh signed investment and partnership deals with Damascus valued at $6.4 billion to help rebuild the country's infrastructure, telecommunications and other major sectors.

A month later, Syria signed agreements worth more than $14 billion, including investments in Damascus airport and other transport and real estate projects.

This week, Syria signed a preliminary deal with US energy giant Chevron and Qatari firm Power International to explore for oil and gas offshore.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed an interim trade agreement with the United States, saying it would bolster global growth and deepen economic ties between the two countries.

The pact cuts US "reciprocal" duties on Indian products to 18 percent from 25 percent, and commits India to large purchases of US energy and industrial goods.

US President Donald Trump, while announcing the deal Tuesday, had said Modi promised to stop buying Russian oil over the war in Ukraine.

The deal eases months of tensions over India's oil purchases -- which Washington says fund a conflict it is trying to end -- and restores the close ties between Trump and the man he describes as "one of my greatest friends."

"Great news for India and USA!" Modi said on X on Saturday, praising US President Donald Trump's "personal commitment" to strengthening bilateral ties.

The agreement, he said, reflected "the growing depth, trust and dynamism" of their partnership.

Modi's remarks came hours after Trump issued an executive order scrapping an additional 25 percent levy imposed over New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, in a step to implement the trade deal announced this week.

Modi, who has faced criticism at home about opening access of Indian agricultural markets to the United States and terms on oil imports, did not mention Russian oil in his statement.

"This framework will also strengthen resilient and trusted supply chains and contribute to global growth," he said.

It would also create fresh opportunities for Indian farmers, entrepreneurs and fishermen under the "Make in India" initiative.

In a separate statement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the pact would "open a $30 trillion market for Indian exporters".

Goyal also said the deal protects India's sensitive agricultural and dairy products, including maize, wheat, rice, soya, poultry and milk.

Other terms of the agreement include the removal of tariffs on certain aircraft and parts, according to a separate joint statement released Friday by the White House.

The statement added that India intends to purchase $500 billion of US energy products, aircraft and parts, precious metals, tech products and coking coal over the next five years.

The shift marks a significant reduction in US tariffs on Indian products, down from a rate of 50 percent late last year.

Washington and New Delhi are expected to sign a formal trade deal in March.

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Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
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Gold Bounces Back on Softer Dollar, US-Iran Concerns; Silver Rebounds

Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth

Gold rebounded on Friday and was set for a weekly gain, helped by bargain hunting, a slightly weaker dollar and lingering concerns over US-Iran talks in Oman, while silver recovered from a 1-1/2-month low.

Spot gold rose 3.1% to $4,916.98 per ounce by 09:31 a.m. ET (1431 GMT), recouping losses posted during a volatile Asia session that followed a fall of 3.9% on Thursday. Bullion was headed for a weekly gain of about 1.3%.

US gold futures for April delivery gained 1% to $4,939.70 per ounce.

The US dollar index fell 0.3%, making greenback-priced bullion cheaper for the overseas buyers.

"The gold market is seeing perceived bargain hunting from bullish traders," said Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals.

Iran and the US started high-stakes negotiations via Omani mediation on Friday to try to overcome sharp differences over Tehran's nuclear program.

Wyckoff said gold's rebound lacks momentum and the metal is unlikely to break records without a major geopolitical trigger.

Gold, a traditional safe haven, does well in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Spot silver rose 5.3% to $74.98 an ounce after dipping below $65 earlier, but was still headed for its biggest weekly drop since 2011, down over 10.6%, following steep losses last week as well.

"What we're seeing in silver is huge speculation on the long side," said Wyckoff, adding that after years in a boom cycle, gold and silver now appear to be entering a typical commodity bust phase.

CME Group raised margin requirements for gold and silver futures for a third time in two weeks on Thursday to curb risks from heightened market volatility.

Spot platinum added 3.2% to $2,052 per ounce, while palladium gained 4.9% to $1,695.18. Both were down for the week.