Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — 8–12 February 2026


VHR has officially announced its participation in the Saudi World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, a premier global platform for defense innovation and multi-domain military technology. The event, now entering its third edition, will take place from 8–12 February 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together thousands of industry leaders, government representatives, and defense specialists from around the world.

World Defense Show 2026 continues to grow rapidly, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for defense integration and industrial capability under Vision 2030. The show will feature expanded exhibition zones, live demonstrations, and future-focused programming across all key defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security.

 

A Strategic Platform for Global Engagement

This year’s show builds on the scale of recent editions, which welcomed 773+ exhibitors, 441 official delegations, and over 106,000 visitors, underscoring the strength and influence of the event on the international defense calendar.

For 2026, World Defence Show introduces a suite of new features designed to foster collaboration and accelerate technological advancement, including:

  • Future Defense Lab, a hub for AI, robotics, autonomous systems, cyber defense, and advanced materials.
  • Saudi Supply Chain Zone, expanding opportunities for localization and industrial partnerships.
  • Unmanned Systems and Naval Zones, addressing emerging needs in modern defense operations.

VHR’s attendance positions the company to engage directly with global primes, government delegations, and innovators shaping the future of defense integration.

 

 

 

Aligning with Industry Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s defense sector is undergoing rapid modernization, supported by significant investment and ambitious localization goals. The Kingdom’s push to localize 50% of its defense spending by 2030 is driving unprecedented collaboration between domestic industry and international partners.

With WDS 2026 creating cross‑border partnerships, VHR will be able to explore strategic cooperation opportunities, expand its presence in regional supply chains, and support projects aligned with Saudi Arabia’s long‑term defense ecosystem development.

 

Live Demonstrations and Cross‑Domain Interoperability

A hallmark of the World Defense Show is its extensive program of live land and air demonstrations, showcasing cutting-edge platforms and interoperable military systems. The 2026 edition promises even more dynamic exhibitions, reflecting the event’s commitment to bridging the gap between modern operational needs and rapidly evolving technology.

 

 

Meet VHR’s Industry Experts:

VHR’s recruitment team comprises highly experienced aviation staffing specialists and former industry professionals, including:

  • Jenna Beard – Divisional Director for the Middle East & Corporate Accounts with 19 years of aviation recruitment experience, a strong global network, and deep sector knowledge.
  • Neil Day - With over four decades of hands-on aviation experience, Neil Day brings unmatched expertise in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Trained as an Aeronautical Mechanical Engineer, Neil’s career spans operational leadership, global project delivery, and technical excellence.​
  • Denise Ashcroft-Law -  Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, VHR’s Middle East Coordinator serves as a dedicated liaison, fostering strong partnerships and seamless communication with our clients throughout the region.

 

Looking Ahead

By attending WDS 2026, VHR reinforces its commitment to innovation, industry collaboration, and engagement with the global defense community. The event’s unique mix of technology showcases, high‑level dialogue, and strategic networking provides an invaluable opportunity for the company to build new relationships and contribute to shaping the future of the defense sector.

VHR’s team will be present throughout the event in Riyadh, meeting with partners, clients, and stakeholders to discuss upcoming projects and emerging defense opportunities on the international stage.

 

VHR

VHR is dedicated to transforming the lives of candidates and clients in the Aviation, Automotive, Defence, Marine, and Engineering sectors through exceptional training, ethical recruitment practices, and comprehensive logistical support. Moving past conventional recruitment, VHR pioneer talent cultivation in underserved areas. With a global outlook, we travel to discover semi-skilled workers, provide customised training programs in collaboration with clients, and elevate competencies for the benefit of both candidates and clients.

In addition to providing the best client services, VHR strives to improve the working lives of our contractors. We are prominent supporters of ethical recruitment which resulted in us co-founding Fair Labour Alliance. Our services are built on the Dhaka Principles to provide all candidates with high quality accommodation, protection from modern slavery and mistreatment, and working relationships built on communication and respect.

 

Get in touch to meet with our specialist team at the Saudi World Defense Show!

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