The Saudi General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) has signed contracts worth over SAR 1.6 billion ($426.6 million) in 2024 to support research in five key areas addressing military and security priorities. These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of localizing 50% of its military spending by 2030.
Established four years ago, GADD is responsible for regulating, supervising and promoting research, development, and innovation in defense technologies and national security. It aims to advance these fields while fostering the localization of defense sector outputs.
On Sunday, GADD hosted the second edition of the JISR 2025 Forum, bringing together 29 local universities, research centers and national companies, alongside international institutions from the UK and France. The event showcased the scientific achievements of over 90 students.
Speaking at the forum in Riyadh, GADD Governor Dr. Faleh Al-Sulaiman highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress in scientific and technological research, noting that the Kingdom has published over 55,000 research papers and registered more than 2,700 patents.
The first edition of the forum led to 23 research projects across six Saudi universities, strengthening ties between academia and the defense industry, he remarked.
Dr. Abdullah Aba Al-Khail, Director of Corporate Communications at GADD, stressed to Asharq Al-Awsat the authority’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s defense self-sufficiency by fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
Over the past year, students have contributed 68 research projects across five main fields and 40 specialized topics addressing military and security needs, he revealed. These projects, supported by previously signed contracts worth SAR 1.6 billion, aim to integrate university expertise into industrial applications.
Students at the forum presented research projects aimed at advancing security and military technology. Iman Al-Attas, a PhD student at King Abdulaziz University, developed a deepfake detection model capable of identifying AI-generated fraudulent videos, helping to prevent identity fraud and misinformation.
Mansour Al-Harithi, a PhD researcher at King Saud University, is working on nano-sensors designed to detect hazardous pollutants in water with extreme sensitivity, even at minimal concentrations.
Nouf Al-Hibad, an AI master’s student at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, is developing wearable authentication technology that verifies user identity based on movement patterns and sensor data, complementing facial and retinal recognition.
Students praised GADD’s financial and logistical support, which has enabled them to turn research concepts into marketable products, contributing to the localization of Saudi defense spending. Founded in 2021 under a government decision, GADD operates as an independent entity directly linked to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It plays a central role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s defense research, innovation and localization efforts.
