The countdown to one of the Kingdom’s largest security and technology gatherings is officially underway, with organizers pulling back the curtain on a sweeping, multi-phase program that spans months and reaches every corner of Saudi Arabia. The Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) isn’t just a single conference — it’s a nationwide initiative designed to build talent, showcase innovation, and position the country as a global hub for the sector.
Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee
The program includes GSTS Month (Nov 1-30), the SAIF innovation fair (Nov 24-26), and the main Summit (Dec 18-20, 2026)
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The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) convened an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, drawing representatives from government, private, and nonprofit sectors to lay out the full slate of activities ahead of the main event. The summit itself will take place in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with supervision from HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior. The Ministry of Interior is organizing the event in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.
During the session, the Organizing Committee detailed the three pillars of the GSTS program. First, GSTS Month runs from November 1 to 30, 2026; second, the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF) is slated for November 24 to 26, 2026; and finally, the main Summit is set for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. These components form an integrated program aimed at advancing security and technology innovation, strengthening national capabilities, and fostering international cooperation.
GSTS Month is designed to span all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, offering working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops. These activities will be delivered both in person and remotely, in partnership with specialized entities. The goal is to develop national capabilities, uncover emerging talent, and equip professionals with the skills needed to tackle future security and technology challenges with innovative solutions.
When the main Summit convenes, it will assemble global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to examine the future of security and technology. The focus will be on integrating advanced technologies into the security sector, boosting national capabilities, supporting innovation, and fostering international cooperation — all part of positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.
The summit will showcase the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, bringing together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers. Key focus areas include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.
Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, said the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to create an advanced security and technology ecosystem rooted in knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.
Mr. Altowayan also noted that the summit serves as a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.
Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, emphasized that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.
He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, while SAIF provides a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions. The main Summit, he said, will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.
SAIF will be held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world. The fair will showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with project owners — including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs — and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.
The introductory session also included contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, as well as members of the media. Discussions centered on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.
Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf. The Ministry of Education serves as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.
Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.
Why it matters: This three-phase program signals a deliberate, structured approach by Saudi Arabia to build a domestic security technology ecosystem from the ground up — not just hosting a conference, but investing in talent development, innovation fairs, and cross-sector collaboration. For global tech companies and investors, it represents a clear signal of where the Kingdom is directing its resources and attention in the coming years.
Alaa Abutair
Approach Communications
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