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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.
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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.

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Gulf

Saudi Support for Inclusive Southern Dialogue Without Monopoly or Exclusion

Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).
Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).
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Saudi Support for Inclusive Southern Dialogue Without Monopoly or Exclusion

Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).
Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).

Riyadh has hosted the Southern Consultative Meeting as a prelude to a comprehensive Southern Dialogue Conference, signaling the return of southern Yemen as a core issue in the country’s peace process. The meeting brought together a broad range of southern leaders and groups, including advocates of restoring the state that existed in southern and eastern Yemen before the 1990 unification with the north.

The consultative talks were attended by Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Vice President Abdul Rahman Al-Mahrami, who read the final communiqué.

Saudi sponsorship reflects a shift in the Kingdom’s role from primarily military support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government to that of a key political sponsor of a comprehensive settlement.

The communiqué underscored this approach, stressing that Saudi Arabia “does not adopt a hostile position toward any southern option,” provided it is the outcome of an inclusive, non-exclusive intra-dialogue.

Beyond politics, Saudi backing extended to urgent economic measures, including the allocation of SAR 1.9 billion to support the economy and ensure payment of salaries for civil servants and military personnel. Observers say these steps give Saudi mediation tangible credibility and directly link economic stability with the success of the political process.

Criticism of External Interference

The final statement, and reactions surrounding it, carried pointed — if indirect — criticism of the United Arab Emirates.

Analysts accuse Abu Dhabi of deepening southern divisions by backing specific factions, particularly those previously led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, former head of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council, who reportedly moved to Abu Dhabi after refusing to join the Riyadh-sponsored dialogue.

This contrast casts Riyadh as an alternative to what critics describe as “chaotic” Emirati interference, emphasizing inclusive dialogue among southerners and support for state institutions as part of a pathway toward broader Yemeni stability.

Southern visions remain diverse. Some leaders seek secession and restoration of the pre-1990 state, others favor a federal Yemen with self-governing regions, while additional voices propose alternative arrangements they see as fairer and less centralized. These differing perspectives place Saudi Arabia in the role of mediator seeking to unify southerners, while Abu Dhabi is increasingly portrayed by critics as a force fueling fragmentation.

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi has previously called on the UAE to withdraw militarily from Yemen and halt interference in internal affairs, accusing it of backing unilateral moves to impose control by force over Hadramout and Al-Mahra.

Internal Reckoning and a Historic Chance

The consultative meeting also highlighted internal challenges that have weakened the southern cause. Participants rejected any monopoly over representation or attempts to reduce the issue to a single leader or group. The statement distinguished between the legitimacy of the southern cause as a political and rights-based demand and the harmful practices of some leaders accused of exploiting it for regional agendas or corruption.

This self-criticism, particularly from figures once associated with the Transitional Council, suggests a desire to correct course and rebuild credibility with the southern public and the international community. Calls for popular support “with awareness and responsibility” aim to restore grassroots legitimacy and prevent the manipulation of protests for narrow interests.

The communiqué described the upcoming comprehensive Southern Dialogue Conference as a “rare historic opportunity,” enabled by Saudi sponsorship and a growing southern consensus on dialogue as the only safe path forward.

Regionally and internationally, resolving the southern issue is increasingly seen as a key gateway to a comprehensive peace in Yemen. However, success will depend on overcoming deep internal divisions and shielding the process from destabilizing interference.

Gulf

GCC Chief Welcomes Syrian Government's Agreement with SDF

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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GCC Chief Welcomes Syrian Government's Agreement with SDF

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed the new agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi welcomed the announcement by Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding a new agreement with the SDF and the provisions it includes that contribute to strengthening and maintaining security and stability in Syria.

He emphasized that the final communiqué issued by the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the leaders of the GCC states stresses the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, noting that Syria’s security and stability are a fundamental pillar of regional security and stability.

Gulf

Saudi FM Holds Phone Calls with US Envoy for Syria, Omani Counterpart, US Secretary of State

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
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Saudi FM Holds Phone Calls with US Envoy for Syria, Omani Counterpart, US Secretary of State

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call on Monday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, they discussed the latest developments in Syria. 

The Saudi minister also spoke by telephone with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. They exchanged views on the latest regional developments and the efforts being made in this regard. 

Earlier on Monday, the Saudi minister held a phone call with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They discussed the latest regional developments.