Inside WDS 2026: Mansour Al-Babtian on Innovation, Localization, and Global Defense Partnerships
Mansour Al-Babtian : Department of Strategic Security and Military Research and Studies 13-09-2025
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its ambitious defense transformation under Vision 2030, the World Defense Show (WDS) has emerged as a central platform driving localization, innovation, and global collaboration. Since its launch in 2022, WDS has rapidly grown into one of the world’s premier defense exhibitions, uniting government leaders, industry giants, and emerging innovators across all five defense domains—air, land, sea, space, and security.
In this exclusive interview, Defense Arabia speaks with Mansour Al-Babtian, Vice President of WDS, to discuss how the event is shaping Saudi Arabia’s defense ecosystem, enabling technology transfer, empowering local talent, and strengthening international partnerships.
From the expanded exhibition space and new features planned for the 2026 edition, to the vital role WDS plays in fostering government-industry cooperation, Al-Babtian offers insights into why the show has become a must-attend gathering for the global defense community.
How does the event support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the goal of localizing military spending?
World Defense Show is intrinsically linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, serving as a cornerstone for achieving the ambitious goal of localizing 50% of military expenditures. Founded by GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries), the WDS platform is a direct enabler of national defense ambitions.
Likewise, SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries), the entity responsible for spearheading localization efforts, as our National Strategic Partner, emphasizes WDS’s role to support innovation, localization, and the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable, world-class defense sector.
We offer a point of entry into the Saudi defense market through various initiatives. For example, our Meet the KSA Government Program grants unparalleled access to the Kingdom’s key defense decision makers, outlining procurement and investment insights for international and local entities.
While, our newly introduced Saudi Supply Chain Zone is specifically designed to empower local enterprises by bridging the gap between rising local capabilities and major global stakeholders. Moreover, the returning Future Talent Program cultivates the next generation of Saudi defense professionals. Collectively, these programs establish a dynamic ecosystem that ensures a more robust local supply chain, fosters technology transfer, creates jobs and develops a robust self-sufficient defense industrial base, all in direct support of Vision 2030.
Why is WDS important for the future of the defense industry?
WDS is a crucial global convener; it brings together participants from all over the world, including nations that are rapidly emerging in the defense sector. Our Delegations Program is a prime example, effectively converging top decision-makers, encouraging dialogue and collaboration that might not otherwise occur.
Beyond its role as a meeting point, WDS is uniquely inclusive of all five defense domains – air, land, sea, space, and security. We are keenly attuned to major industry movements, highlighted by our 2026 theme, ‘The Future of Defense Integration,’ which perfectly encapsulates the shift towards more seamless integration across all domains. A continuous forward-looking approach ensures WDS remains at the forefront of shaping the defense landscape, driving innovation and providing an ideal platform to activate partnerships – essential for future security.
What will the new exhibition hall and expanded space add to the 2026 edition?
This expansion, representing a remarkable 58% increase in exhibition space since 2022, directly translates into greater global participation and allows for expanded presence from our returning exhibitors. For instance, the UK pavilion alone has seen an impressive 15% growth since 2024, a testament to the increasing demand.
Having a larger footprint enables us to maximize our impact, accommodate more cutting-edge technologies, expand opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaborations, and launch new features like the new Future Defense Lab, Unmanned Systems Zone, and Naval Zone.
Ultimately, the expanded space allows WDS to better reflect the dynamic growth and global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s defense ecosystem, while providing an even more immersive and effective platform for all attendees.
The show has grown a lot since 2022, what makes it so successful?
The phenomenal growth of WDS since its inception in 2022 stems from several key factors. Firstly, we have a niche stance as a critical gateway into the rapidly evolving Saudi defense market. For international players, WDS provides unparalleled access and insight into the Kingdom’s ambitious localization goals and burgeoning industrial base. Secondly, our commitment to showcasing cutting-edge innovation, as exemplified by features like the Future Defense Lab, ensures that attendees are always at the forefront of technological advancements.
Finally, our focus on encouraging genuine collaboration through tailored networking programs and direct engagement opportunities with Saudi leadership and national talent has built strong, lasting relationships. Such a combination of strategic market access, innovative content, and effective networking has cemented WDS’s position as a must-attend event on the global defense calendar.
How will you make sure WDS continues to attract leading companies and delegations?
We are constantly innovating and enhancing our value proposition to ensure we are responsive to the industry as it evolves. Our strategy focuses on unparalleled access, cutting-edge content, and strategic networking. We offer direct engagement with Saudi Arabia’s defense leadership, including GAMI and SAMI, and key procurement entities, which is a significant draw for global players.
Our commitment to showcasing the latest advancements, particularly through new features like the Future Defense Lab and dedicated zones for Unmanned Systems and Naval technologies, keeps us at the forefront of industry trends.
Furthermore, our bespoke Delegations Program, WDS Connect matchmaking service, and Investor Program facilitate meaningful, high-level interactions. We also maintain a strong international presence at major defense events, like DSEI, actively engaging with prospective exhibitors and attendees to highlight the unique opportunities WDS presents.
How does WDS help connect Saudi companies with international partners?
WDS is designed to be a powerful bridge connecting Saudi companies of various size and scope with international partners. A central mechanism for this is our Saudi Supply Chain Zone, which shines a spotlight on Saudi SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs, providing a dedicated space for local innovators to showcase their capabilities, engage with global players, and secure partnerships that drive localization and technology transfer.
Beyond this, our Meet the KSA Government Program opens a pathway by providing insights and direct engagement with key decision makers. While WDS Connect and our new Investor Program accelerates real-world partnerships through targeted interactions between Saudi entities and international firms, laying the groundwork for strategic and mutually beneficial collaborations.
What role does the event play in technology transfer and training new talent?
Both technology transfer and the training new talent are foundational to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and WDS. In regard to technology transfer, the show acts as a crucial conduit, bringing global innovators and advanced technologies directly to the Kingdom.
Initiatives like the Future Defense Lab and the new Investor Program within it are designed to connect international technology providers with local partners and capabilities, laying the groundwork for joint ventures and the adoption of cutting-edge solutions.
In terms of talent development, our Future Talent Program is a cornerstone of our efforts to develop human capital. It engages thousands of Saudi students and young professionals through presentations, mentorship, and a recently added Defensethon in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, alongside direct exposure to global defense leaders.
This program enriches a pipeline of skilled professionals in critical areas like engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring Saudi youth are active contributors to the Kingdom’s evolving defense landscape and embedding national talent within the defense value chain.
How can WDS strengthen cooperation between government and industry?
WDS is uniquely positioned to strengthen cooperation between government and industry. and our deep alignment with national defense objectives — including our connection with GAMI and the Meet the KSA Government Program — removes traditional barriers and furthers transparent dialogue.
Furthermore, the presence of key Saudi defense entities like SAMI as National Strategic Partner ensures that industry discussions are directly informed by government priorities and vice versa, Through dedicated content theaters, closed-door briefings, and structured networking, WDS presents a conducive environment for policymakers, industry leaders, and rising talent to collaborate on strategic initiatives, align on localization goals, and collectively address the future challenges and opportunities within the defense sector.
What new features will make WDS 2026 different from past editions?
WDS 2026 will be significantly different from past editions through a suite of exciting new features designed to propel the global defense community forward. At the heart of this is our intensified focus on innovation, exemplified by the Future Defense Lab.
This pulsating hub will showcase some never-before-seen technologies from startups, SMEs, and global primes, covering critical areas like AI, unmanned systems, robotics, and quantum technologies. Complementing this, we are introducing dedicated Unmanned Systems Zone and Naval Zone to highlight advancements in these critical domains.
The new Investor Program, anchored within the Future Defense Lab, will directly connect forward-thinking investors with local and global innovators. Additionally, the Saudi Supply Chain Zone will empower local enterprises by giving Saudi SMEs and entrepreneurs a seat at the global table. These new features, alongside our expanded exhibition space and content programs, ensure WDS 2026 will be our most dynamic and monumental event yet.
What is your message to companies thinking about joining WDS 2026?
Companies considering joining WDS 2026 need to know World Defense Show presents an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of defense innovation and to tap into one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing defense markets.
With three out of four halls already sold out and record global participation, the momentum for WDS 2026 is undeniable. Visitors can expect to explore the groundbreaking technologies driving the industry into its next era, participate in dynamic discussions, cultivate connections from around the globe, and gain a clearer understanding of how to play a part in Saudi Arabia’s promising defense industry.
WDS offers a chance to forge strategic partnerships, contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 localization goals, and position your company for future growth in a critical global sector.
Furthermore, with our trade visitor registration now officially launched, we are actively engaging a vast audience of industry professionals, ensuring maximum exposure and networking opportunities for our exhibitors.
Source: Arab Defense
