Future Talent Focused On Building Saudi Arabia's National Defence Capability At World Defense Show 2026

World Defense Show 2026, organised by the General Authority for Military Industries, continued its fourth day in Riyadh with a strong focus on national talent and long-term defence capabilities. The agenda supported Saudi Vision 2030 and localisation targets, while also strengthening the wider defence industries ecosystem. The show, which runs until 12 February, brings together defence stakeholders from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

The event hosts 1,468 exhibitors representing 89 countries, highlighting its international scope and specialist content. Live demonstrations and advanced systems span land, air, sea, space and security domains. Through this wide display of technologies and solutions, World Defense Show 2026 supports national capability development and contributes to growth across the defence industries ecosystem in the Kingdom.

Day Four is dedicated to the Future Talent Program in the main theatre in Hall 2, one of the show’s key strategic initiatives. Sponsored by BAE Systems and delivered with several government entities, the programme aims to empower young Saudis to pursue specialised careers in the defence sector. It underlines the priority of investing in human capital within the defence and security industries.

The Future Talent Program gathers students, early-career professionals and industry experts for discussions on future skills required for Saudi Arabia’s defence transformation. Sessions look at aligning education outputs with actual industry demand and strengthening technical abilities for next-generation defence roles. Participants explore advanced fields, including cybersecurity, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, space activities and other emerging technologies.

Senior leaders from the Ministry of Defense, GAMI and related organisations take part in the programme, stressing the importance of structured career and development pathways for Saudi youth. GAMI Governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali notes that building human capabilities is central to the Kingdom’s defence industry goals. "Through initiatives such as the Future Talent Program, we are working to equip Saudi youth with skills, knowledge, and creativity, which strengthens the sector’s competitiveness and contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 targets," he said.

World Defense Show Chief Executive Officer Andrew Pearcey explains that activities on the fourth day reflect the overall direction of Saudi Arabia’s military industries. Pearcey states that the Future Talent Program shows the Kingdom’s commitment to preparing a generation able to keep pace with global defence changes. The initiative aims to build long-term capabilities that raise the readiness of national defence industries.

Alongside the Future Talent Program, engagements continue across other World Defense Show 2026 platforms. The Meet the KSA Government Program in Hall 2 and the Saudi Supply Chain Zone theatre in Hall 3 give exhibitors and investors direct access to officials. These sessions help clarify national capability priorities and open discussions on industrial cooperation and future partnerships within the defence sector.

Through the integration of talent development, industry and investment pathways, World Defense Show 2026 supports the creation of a sustainable defence industries ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The focus on human capital, localisation and advanced technologies aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 targets. As the show continues in Riyadh, it remains a central forum for national capability building and defence sector collaboration.

With inputs from SPA