Global defence sector meets in Saudi capital
A stellar lineup of industry titans and senior government figures is addressing attendees at the World Defense Show in Riyadh (February 4-8, 2024).
February 4 witnessed the Future Defence Leadership Forum, with Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), delivering the opening address.
The opening forum drew high-level government and private sector delegates from the global defence industry, who explored national policy, technology, and innovation, offering insights into Saudi and global perspectives on defence and security challenges for the next decade.
Keynote addresses
Keynote addresses during the forum included ‘Enhancing KSA’s Investment Ecosystem’ by Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment, and a discussion on ‘Defence/Force Readiness’ by General Fayyadh Al Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces.
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Chair of SAMI, delved into ‘Security and Stability in the New Saudi Era,’ emphasising the importance of innovation in defence technology.
Pivotal panel discussions are also on the agenda, with topics like ‘The People Challenge’ and ‘Innovating at the Speed of Relevance.’ Notable figures such as Prof. Haluk Gorgun, President of the Defence Industry Agency (SSB) from Turkey, and Éric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, will contribute to these discussions.
On February 5, the World Defense Show 2024 focussed on innovation, featuring key industry figures such as Rob Merriweather, Technology Director at BAE Systems, and Chris Brown, Vice President of Strategy & Global Business Development at General Dynamics, leading discussions on achieving innovation goals across the industry.
General (Retd) Tom Middendorp delivered a keynote on environmental sustainability, and Nichola Bates, Managing Partner at Aerospace Xelerated, provided insights on Defence Innovation Units.
February 6 spotlighted technology development, with Major Gen (Rtd) Adam Findlay discussing civilian-military technology development, Sir Stu Atha providing insights on the future of human-machine interface, and Stephanie Hill discussing aerospace and defence transformation.
Building on the success of 2022, the International Women in Defence programme, spearheaded by Ambassador Reema, returns on February 7.
Focus on diversity
The event features Heidi Grant, Vice President of Defence Global Growth & Engagement at Boeing, and national diversity champions, addressing the importance of diversity in the defence sector.
On February 8, the Future Talent program will recognise the significance of nurturing the next generation of defence professionals, featuring a keynote by Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education.
Insightful discussions on the future of human capital in defence and a presentation on workforce development by Jason Monahan, VP & General Manager at General Dynamics, will be among the highlights.
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show, expressed excitement about the programme, emphasising the event’s role as a platform for global collaboration beyond groundbreaking technology exhibition. He highlighted WDS as a space for leaders in the defence field to convene and address industry and global challenges.
Featured image: The second edition of the World Defense Show is organised by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries. Image: WDS
