WDS: GAMI governor to call for greater defence dialogue

The event will offer a breath-taking showcase of the ambition and growth of Saudi Arabia’s operational and manufacturing base in the defence field, alongside delivering one of the globe’s leading exhibition platforms for the global defence industry, said HE Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

Speaking to Show Business today, Al-Ohali said: “Saudi Arabia's strategic location, abundant natural resources and leading industrial capabilities position us uniquely in the global defence landscape.

“This event is an ideal opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to collaborate and chart the course for a secure and stable future,” he added.

“As we strive to achieve the Vision 2030 targets for a sustainable defence industry, we ensure that the World Defense Show serves as an opportunity to meet and build strategic partnerships with the giants of the defence industry worldwide.”

The Kingdom is pursuing a transformation strategy that sees a rapid ramp-up of local manufacturing and a mounting number of partnerships with global defence businesses.

Al-Ohali said: “We continue to unlock promising investment opportunities in the Kingdom's military industries sector for international partners and investors through WDS.

“This comes at a time when the sector is experiencing a local surge in incentives, investment opportunities and a comprehensive strategy for human resources development.

“Currently, GAMI offers investment opportunities in the manufacturing of aircraft propellers for fixed-wing aircraft and drones, as well as main and tail rotors for helicopters.”

He said the Kingdom is making steady progress towards achieving self-sufficiency, with a target of localising 50% of the government’s spending on military equipment and services by 2030, in addition to exporting defence technology.

“We've seen the localisation rate increase from 4% in 2018 to 13.65% by 2022. Additionally, the number of licences issued for establishments to operate within the military industries sector has risen from five in 2019 to 265 by 2023, covering a range of military manufacturing, services and supply licences,” he said.