The Sauid Falcons conducted air shows (Photo: AFP/Fayez Nureldine)
Eurasia
05/02/2024 23:35
The sector is expected to contribute as much as $25 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030. It is also expected to support 40,000 direct and 60,000 indirect job opportunities, according to government estimates, the news site added.
The show opened to media and select visitors on Sunday for a preview. The Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was seen exploring some of the stalls and hearing from the exhibitors.
The Royal Saudi Air Force’s aerobatics team, The Sauid Falcons, conducted air shows above the purpose-built indoor-outdoor venue with a functional airstrip about 70 kilometers (43.4 miles) from the city center.
China’s Bayi Aerobatic Team are expected to conduct aerial shows.
The defense show will run for five days and feature over 750 exhibitors from over 65 countries, over 23 of which are featuring for the first time in the Kingdom. It marks an increase from 2022 which saw around 600 exhibitors and resulted in nearly $8 billion in total orders and agreements.
This year’s theme is “Equipped for Tomorrow.” Exhibitor space reportedly sold out five months ahead of the start of the event, despite a 25 percent increase in space.