How Saudi Arabia’s SAMI is driving the localization of the Kingdom’s defense industry

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The CEO of Saudi Arabia Military Industries, Walid Abukhaled, inspects the progress of business at one of the SAMI sector of aviation and space systems in Jeddah. (SAMI photo)
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Updated 21 August 2023
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How Saudi Arabia’s SAMI is driving the localization of the Kingdom’s defense industry

  • Saudi Arabia Military Industries tasked with indigenization of half of Kingdom’s defense spending by 2030
  • SAMI aims to reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on foreign imports by building domestically and hiring locally

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s defense industry is relatively new, dating back to the early 1970s. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years and is now considered a major player in the global market.

In the early years, the Kingdom’s defense sector was focused primarily on the assembly and repair of foreign-made weapons and equipment. More recently, the country has pursued self-reliance in military manufacturing.

This shift has been motivated by a number of factors, including the country’s vast oil wealth, its strategic location in the Middle East, and its desire to reduce its reliance on foreign imports.

One of the key drivers behind this burgeoning industry is the aerospace and defense company Saudi Arabian Military Industries, or SAMI — a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund established in May 2017.

SAMI’s goal is to localize 50 percent of the Kingdom’s defense spending by 2030. To achieve this, SAMI has established 12 joint ventures with the world’s biggest and best original equipment manufacturers.

These joint ventures have enabled SAMI to acquire the technology and expertise it needs to develop its own defense products.

“Through partnering with industry pioneers and experts, we’re making great strides towards achieving this goal,” SAMI told Arab News.




SAMI Chief Executive Officer Walid Abukhaled is briefed at one of the factories of the Intra Defense Technologies by company CEO Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan. (Photo: SAMI)

“Starting with creating opportunities for local talents and building products that are changing the game in the industry, SAMI is determined to support and empower those talents while fostering global partnerships simultaneously.

“In the five years since its establishment, SAMI has launched several innovative products such as Hazem, Mulhim, and Roaya. Those products have helped solidify Saudi Arabia’s impact and position in the defense industry globally.

“Consequently, we remain focused on developing and enhancing products by creating opportunities and building sustainable partnerships locally and internationally.”

Through its investment and partnership with Navantia, a Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company, SAMI successfully completed Al-Sarawat, a project involving five new Avante 2200 corvettes for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with capabilities to handle air, surface, or subsurface targets.




Saudi Arabia's HMS Al-Jubail, seen arriving at the King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah in this photo taken last year, is one of five corvettes produced in a joint venture signed in 2018 between SAMI and Spain's Navantia shipbuilding company. (Photo: Saudi Ministry of Defense)

HMS Al-Jubail and HMS Al-Diriyah are now equipped with Hazem, an integrated combat system that combines on-board weapons and sensors into one single system. It is the first combat management system to be developed by the Kingdom.

Mulhim, another battle management system developed by SAMI, is a battle management system for dismounted soldiers, stationary command centers, and mobile command centers, designed to enhance the combat capability of land formations.

Roaya, meanwhile, is a lightweight armored turret that can be armed with a 7.62 or 12.7 mm caliber machine gun or a 40 mm caliber grenade launcher.

Through partnerships with global leaders in the defense sector, SAMI has developed a range of armored vehicles, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, fighter jets and drones, and has employed new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicle technology.




SAMI has signed an agreement with UAE's EDGE group to produce the JAIS 4x4 armored personnel carrier in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Edge Group)

Its success has not gone without notice. SAMI ranked among Defense News’ top 100 defense firms for the second year in a row, rising 19 places since last year to 79th. The company has set its sights on ranking among the top 25.

However, SAMI is not the only company contributing to the Saudi defense industry’s expansion. Others include Arabian Military Industries, Military Industries Corp. and SAMI Advanced Electronics Co., a subsidiary of the defense firm.

Much of the sector’s success is down to plentiful state investment. In 2022, Saudi Arabia ranked fifth in the world for military spending, after the US, China, Russia, and India, dedicating $75 billion to defense — accounting for 3.3 percent of global military spending.

The US led the ranking with $877 billion, or 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product. However, Saudi Arabia’s spending represents a higher share of its GDP, at 7.4 percent.

Investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense industry has multiple benefits for the country. Firstly, it helps to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on foreign imports. This is important for national security, as it reduces the country’s vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.

Secondly, the growth of the defense sector creates high-skill jobs and opportunities for Saudi citizens. Finally, it helps to develop the country’s technological and manufacturing capabilities, leading to economic diversification and the growth of other sectors.

The boost in defense spending was first unveiled in 2016 when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sat with veteran TV journalist Turki Al-Dakhil for his first-ever television interview, which covered a wide range of topics regarding the Kingdom’s future.




In this picture taken in April 2016, then Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in an interview with Al Arabiya's General Manager Turki Al-Dakhil, unveiled the Kingdom's strategy to boost defense spending and develop a home-grown defense industry. (Photo courtesy of Al Arabiya/File)

“Is it reasonable that in 2014, Saudi Arabia was the largest fourth country in the world, and the largest third country in 2015 in terms of military spending; while we don’t have industry inside Saudi Arabia?” the crown prince asked during the interview.

“We have a strong demand that we should meet inside Saudi Arabia, which is the demand on the military industries.”

It was during this same interview that the crown prince alluded to establishing a holding company for military industries, “which is 100 percent for the government.” Thus, the idea of SAMI was born.

SAMI’s rapid growth since then has led to a significant increase in employment, with the company now boasting more than 3,000 employees, 84 percent of whom are Saudis, with plans to add a further 1,500 staff in the next quarter. The firm had just 63 staff in 2018.

With a view to develop local talent and expertise in the defense industry, SAMI has established a number of training and development programs to help Saudis acquire the skills and knowledge they require.

Aerospace, drone regulation and the space industry are other growing sectors in the defense market that have experienced increased investment. The government has signed contracts with several players in these fields, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Safran Helicopter Engines, ST Engineering, Airbus, and L3 Harris.

Its most recent signing was with Turkish company Baykar Tech to localize the manufacture of the Bayraktar Akinci drone and its component systems.

“We believe building local and global partnerships is a key factor in achieving SAMI’s goals, and being part of the Baykar Tech agreement is a huge step forward in doing so,” SAMI told Arab News.




Major General Attiyah bin Saleh Al-Malki, chief of the General Directorate of Local Manufacturing at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and his delegation, get a briefing at the engineering hub of the Intra Defense Technologies, a local company that designs, develops, manufactures high performance and innovative unmanned aerial systems. (Intra Defense Technologies photo)

“Those partnerships help us provide local talents with the best opportunities to grow and learn.”

Indeed, to drive ahead the localization of defense jobs, SAMI has taken the lead with the Kingdom’s new Academy of Defense Industries, which will significantly contribute to SAMI’s goal of becoming the largest supporter of national human resource.

“Furthermore, having SAMI’s CEO, Eng. Walid A. Abukhaled, as the chairman of the new Academy of Defense Industries is how we can ensure those opportunities are given to the right people, as the sole purpose of this academy is to find, prepare, and introduce young talents to the defense industry sector,” SAMI added.

 


Saudi health minister visits Australia

Updated 16 August 2025
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Saudi health minister visits Australia

  • Trip strengthens Kingdom’s partnership with healthcare, biotechnology on agenda

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel has met Saudi students at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

AlJalajel met up with students from various academic disciplines and stressed their role as ambassadors for their country in the ambitious transformation the Kingdom is undertaking under Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to build a vibrant society and deliver world-class services across sectors.

He praised the Human Capability Development Program, which seeks to prepare students for global competitiveness by fostering both foundational and future skills and knowledge; transferring international best practices in education and skills development; aligning educational outcomes with the needs of the local and global labor market; and advancing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The meeting reflected the leadership’s commitment to investing in human capital, as thousands of Saudi students pursue higher education abroad in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.

It marked the conclusion of AlJalajel’s official visit to Melbourne, after which he was set to proceed to the capital Canberra to continue strengthening the Kingdom’s partnership with Australia in the area of sustainable healthcare.

The minister said on X: “As part of my visit to Australia to explore opportunities for collaboration, I’ve begun a series of meetings and visits in Melbourne aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and exchanging expertise in health, innovation, and biotechnology — supporting the development of our healthcare system and achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”


Qur’an competition participants praise visit to Makkah Clock Tower Museum

Updated 16 August 2025
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Qur’an competition participants praise visit to Makkah Clock Tower Museum

  • Large audiences at the Grand Mosque engaged warmly with the recitations and praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Qur’anic competitions

MAKKAH: Participants in the 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an visited the Makkah Clock Tower Museum, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the visit was part of the cultural program prepared for 179 contestants from 128 countries.

During the tour, the contestants explored the museum’s sections and exhibits. The site is on the terrace of the tower adjacent to the Grand Mosque.

The contestants expressed their admiration for the museum, appreciating the Kingdom’s commitment to spreading knowledge in various fields and its dedication to serving Islam and Muslims.

They prayed to Allah to protect the Kingdom, its leadership and its people, and to grant it continued progress and prosperity.

This year’s contest, which concluded last week, featured intense competition marked by exceptional recitation quality, precise memorization, eloquent delivery and melodious voices.

The high level of performance reflected a deep global reverence for the Qur’an and signaled the emergence of a promising new generation of Qur’an memorizers worldwide, the SPA added.

The competition included five categories with total prizes exceeding SR4 million ($1 million), reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious and well-established Qur’anic competitions in the world.

The event also featured an upgraded electronic judging system to ensure fairness and accuracy in scoring.

Large audiences at the Grand Mosque engaged warmly with the recitations and praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Qur’anic competitions and its dedication to serving Qur’an reciters.

Participants in the competition extended their heartfelt gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous support of the Qur’an and its memorizers around the world.


Saudi creative levels up the game for Saudi women

Updated 16 August 2025
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Saudi creative levels up the game for Saudi women

  • YouTube channel Geekshoard is aimed at female gamers, cosplayers

RIYADH: When she launched her YouTube channel last October under the pseudonym Geekshoard, Aya (who prefers not to give her family name) was determined to carve out a space for Saudi women in the male-dominated world of gaming, cosplay, and action-figure collecting. “The goal was to be more connected to the female gaming community in Saudi Arabia, which is not very big, and to bring a new perspective,” she told Arab News. She envisioned a space where women could connect over their shared love for games. She currently has more than 26,000 subscribers to her channel.

“(I am) encouraging ladies to be themselves more and be proud to be geeks,” she said.

The early days weren’t easy. Negative comments tested her resolve, but Aya refused to be discouraged. “I don’t think about it,” she said, adding that instead of letting the criticism get to her, she focuses on building connections. 

“I got to know gamer ladies that were very friendly and lovely and built a small community. It was very nice to feel related to many people and feel connected to some.”

Aya sees gaming, anime, and cosplay as powerful forms of creative expression. “I would say just dive right in. Be yourself,” she said.

She believes that video games have helped strengthen her social and family ties, and she hopes to show the wider Saudi community that gaming’s sometimes-negative reputation is undeserved.

“I would love to show the Saudi community the beauty of video games and how peaceful and fun they can be,” she said. “I have set values for myself that I wouldn’t cross, and I remind myself of them every day to keep me going.”

Aya’s journey may reflect a larger shift in Saudi Arabia — one of the world’s biggest gaming markets, but one in which women remain underrepresented. Her efforts are helping to challenge stereotypes, inspire female gamers, and create a more inclusive space for them.

LINKS FOR ONLINE:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL4fNiVtpW_/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DM7OJPoNVzK/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-dZ_Rmhopo


Saudi Arabia welcomes Trump-Putin summit, reaffirms support for peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict

Updated 16 August 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes Trump-Putin summit, reaffirms support for peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict

  • Foreign ministry underscored Kingdom’s backing for dialogue as preferred path to settling international disputes and conflicts

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry welcomed the Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, SPA added.

The ministry underscored the Kingdom’s backing for dialogue as the preferred path to settling international disputes and conflicts.

Saudi Arabia has consistently positioned itself as a supporter of mediation and diplomatic initiatives in global crises, maintaining communication with both Moscow and Kyiv while stressing the importance of stability and peace for international security.


Saudi ambassador to Peru donates financial aid

Updated 16 August 2025
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Saudi ambassador to Peru donates financial aid

RIYADH: Saudi Ambassador to Peru Dr. Hassan bin Mohammed Al-Ansari donated $30,000 to the country’s Islamic Association during a ceremony at its headquarters, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The event was attended by representatives of several agencies from Saudi Arabia and Peru.

Al-Ansari said that the assistance provided by the Kingdom will help support the association’s role in serving the Muslim community and meeting its obligations.

He added that the support reflected the Kingdom’s continued charitable efforts in serving Islam and Muslims.

The Islamic Association of Peru’s President Murad Hamida expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for the donation provided to the association and the Muslim community.