Saudi Chief of Staff meets his Bahraini counterpart at the World Defence Exhibition
In a move to strengthen strategic partnerships and deepen military cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, met on Sunday with his Bahraini counterpart, Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force, Lieutenant General Dhiyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi. This important meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Defence Exhibition 2026, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a leading global platform that brings together defense leaders and decision-makers from around the world.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted of the deep-rooted defense and military cooperation between the two brotherly countries, and ways to strengthen and develop it in various fields were discussed to serve common interests and achieve security and stability in the region. The two sides addressed a number of issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and the exchange of expertise between the Saudi Armed Forces and the Bahrain Defense Force to confront current regional and international challenges.
A tour showcasing the latest defense technologies
Following the official meeting, Lieutenant General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili accompanied his Bahraini guest on a tour of the exhibition halls, where they visited several local and international pavilions. The tour included viewing the latest advanced military systems and equipment displayed by international and national companies, reflecting the latest advancements in military technology across land, sea, and air defense, as well as the space and cybersecurity sectors.
The depth of Saudi-Bahraini relations
This visit is a continuation of the strong historical and fraternal relations that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, relations characterized by a unique bond based on shared destiny and common visions. Military cooperation forms a fundamental pillar of these relations, with the military leaderships of both countries constantly striving to enhance combat readiness and unify operational concepts, thereby ensuring the protection of national achievements and supporting the unified Gulf security system.
The importance of the World Defence Exhibition and the Kingdom's leading role
The World Defence Exhibition holds significant strategic importance, embodying the ambitions of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to localize more than 50% of government military spending. The exhibition provides an ideal environment for networking between local manufacturers and international companies, contributing to technology transfer, the localization of military industries, and supporting the national economy by diversifying income sources and creating new job opportunities for Saudi nationals.
The exhibition also highlights the Kingdom’s pivotal role as an active regional and international power in shaping the future of defense, by attracting major global companies and showcasing the latest innovations based on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, thus enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces to confront future threats efficiently and effectively.
