Saudi authorities have formally started construction on the second phase of the 800,000-square-meter site for the super World Defense Show in Riyadh, which will include the world's first purpose-built runway for a defence show.

According to the General Authority for Military Industries, the world-class gathering, which will take place in Riyadh from March 6 to 9, 2022, and will be held biennially, intends to “cement Saudi Arabia's role at the core of the global defence industry and improve partnerships with current and prospective industry partners” (GAMI).

The display, founded by GAMI, is the global stage for defence interoperability across five domains: ground, sea, air, security, and satellite. The show will aid Saudi Arabia in meeting its Vision 2030 target of localizing 50% of its military spending, “particularly by fostering more cooperation with governments and defence producers around the world."

In a project summary, GAMI reported that more than one million tonnes of soil have been extracted in the first week of work in preparation for the building of the flagship event's exhibition spaces, entry roads, and car parking areas.

According to planners, the first of two facilities will be completed by October of this year. The second chamber, and a new access lane, ground forces demonstration area, and patio — a central point of entry for hundreds of hospitality suites hosting high-level meetings between suppliers and buyers — will be finally finished by December 2021.

Both runway clearance and excavation operations were accomplished in Phase One of construction, with 89 % of leveling works accomplished, opening the way for cutting-edge displays of the most advanced military aircraft during the four-day event from March 6-9, 2022.

Hundreds of building equipment, including 75 bulldozers, 53 tipper trucks, 15 excavators, and 12 roller compactors, have been used in the construction activities.

"World Defense Show is the first show devoted to tech-integration around the industry's five realms, demonstrating real compatibility at the highest level — a subject that has become a major challenge for defence decision-makers around the world," said Shaun Ormrod, CEO of the World Defense Show.

"A key component to that is our site, which has 800,000 square meters of open space and purpose-built facilities for machinery exhibits, conventions, and exhibition halls," he said.

"The exhibition area will use immersive technology on an unparalleled scale for product demonstrations, simulations, and engaging sessions," said Ormrod.

"We also are honored to be the world's first security festival to feature an on-site runway for active military aircraft displays," he said.