AmCham Saudi Arabia’s
World Defense Show 2024
Kick-off Breakfast & Reception
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – 7 February 2024
The American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia Celebrates the Presence of American Companies at the World Defense Show with Kick-Off Breakfast and Reception to Welcome the International Defense Community
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – 7 February 2024
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Saudi Arabia hosted an exclusive breakfast to welcome distinguished international defense professionals to the highly anticipated World Defense Show on February 5, marking the event’s official opening.
Taking place in Riyadh and open to the delegates February 5-8, the World Defense Show has garnered global attention as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge defense technologies, fostering new opportunities, and driving innovation in the defense industry. AmCham Saudi Arabia’s Kick Off Breakfast signified the commencement of the international gathering of defense leaders, gathering over 200 attendees to hear from a list of recognized defense professionals in the public and private sectors.
The AmCham Saudi Arabia breakfast served as a networking and engagement opportunity for its guests, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to exploring business opportunities in the dynamic market. Setting the stage for meaningful discussion and highlighting the vital role of international collaboration, attendees heard from the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney; the U.S. Embassy’s Senior Commercial Counselor, Andrew Billard; Deputy Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Michael F. Miller; Chairman of AmCham Saudi Arabia, Bill Foster; and AmCham Saudi Arabia’s Board Member and Chair of the Defense & Security Committee, Nomaan Syed.
Ambassador Ratney emphasized the opportunities the World Defense Show offers to bolster the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship, noting: “It is a critical moment for American companies to thrive here in the Kingdom aligned with Vision 2030, and the defense industry is no exception. With 108 U.S. companies represented at the World Defense Show – both longstanding players, but also dozens of SMEs new to the market – the American brand of defense is alive and well, centering around innovation, effectiveness, and excellence.”
AmCham Saudi Arabia Chairman Bill Foster welcomed the group of distinguished international guests, highlighting that their participation and attendance “underscores the pivotal role of this platform as an opportunity for bilateral collaboration to shape the evolution of defense capabilities and international security.”
The breakfast was sponsored by internationally-recognized defense companies, who presented keynote remarks to the audience: Jones Group Middle East, L3 Harris, Leidos, Resecurity, Shield AI, and Zahid Group.
The breakfast was followed by opening of the North American Pavilion including a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by American Ambassador Michael Ratney and Canadian Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau alongside attendance of AmCham Saudi Arabia’s Board of Directors and U.S. Government representatives.
Later in the evening on February 5, the American Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia also co-hosted a reception at the U.S. Embassy, gathering over 500 attendees for an evening to celebrate the partnerships, business opportunities and connections made on the first day and reaffirming the commitment to sustained cooperation and collaboration.