Riyadh World Defense Show in Feb to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies in Military Industries

The World Defense Show (WDS 2024) will be held in Riyadh from February 4 to 8.
The World Defense Show (WDS 2024) will be held in Riyadh from February 4 to 8.
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Riyadh World Defense Show in Feb to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies in Military Industries

The World Defense Show (WDS 2024) will be held in Riyadh from February 4 to 8.
The World Defense Show (WDS 2024) will be held in Riyadh from February 4 to 8.

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), in collaboration with its partners in the public and private sectors, is intensifying its preparations for the second edition of the World Defense Show (WDS 2024), scheduled to take place in Riyadh from February 4 to 8.

The highly-anticipated event will attract distinguished decision-makers from the defense and security fields from across the globe, providing a platform to showcase cutting-edge future techniques in the military industries sector.

WDS 2024 aims to become one of the most prestigious defense and security exhibitions globally. The show will feature more than 750 exhibitors and welcome over 500 official delegations. Participating in the event will be representatives from more than 75 countries, with an expected attendance of 100,000 visitors from both Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Covering an expansive area of 800,000 square meters, WDS 2024 comprises exhibition halls and pavilions where purchasers can engage with exhibitors. Additionally, the show includes exhibition platforms, aircraft spaces, and a purpose-built 2.7 km-long, 50-meter-wide runway.

Saudi Arabia is leveraging this show to strengthen its position as a leading global destination for defense, security, and military industries. The Kingdom aims to advance localization efforts and promote local defense manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, the event serves as a platform for exchanging expertise on cutting-edge techniques and showcasing the latest advancements in military technologies.

The show will highlight the future of defense across five fields: ground, sea, air, space, and information security. It will explore the latest operational compatibility systems from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the latest models of military jets, drones, and military satellites.

In conjunction with the show, the Future Defense Forum will be held for five days, focusing on maritime defense, cybersecurity, and space technologies. The forum will also include meetings with defense leaders and announce winners of the Innovation Award in the Military Industries. The Future Talent Program will be held concurrently with WDS.

Moreover, the International Women in Defense Program, held alongside the main event, will bring together distinguished women leaders from around the world. The program will highlight women’s achievements and their contributions to the global defense and security industry.



GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Saturday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act.

"This move represents a positive development that supports ongoing efforts to restore stability and improve the humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria," Albudaiwi said in a statement.

The decision will foster a more conducive environment for economic recovery and reopen Syria’s economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation, he said.

It will also facilitate the delivery of essential services to the Syrian people, serve the interests of the region's peoples and enhance security and stability, Albudaiwi added.

He reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the Council’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people in their aspirations for a future characterized by security, stability, and sustainable development.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his country’s success in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed to the Emir his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success and to the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity


Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Friday a US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria pursuant to the Caesar Act, affirming that this step will contribute to supporting the country’s stability, prosperity, and development in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Kingdom commended the significant and positive role played by US President Donald Trump, beginning with his announcement to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria during his historic visit to Riyadh in May 2025, and culminating in his signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which included the repeal of the Caesar Act.

The Kingdom also extended its sincere congratulations to the Syrian leadership, government, and people on the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria.

The statement expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the steps taken by the Syrian government to restore stability across all Syrian territories, create conducive conditions for rebuilding the state and economy, and facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons.