2026 SADEX
Exhibition Dates：September 2026
Venue：Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Frequency：Annual
Exhibition Introduction
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the SADEX Saudi International Professional Drone Expo (formerly SAADEF) stands as a pivotal platform driving the Kingdom’s transformation into a global drone technology hub. Building on the success of its predecessor, SADEX 2026 will showcase cutting-edge innovations in drone systems, AI-driven solutions, and sustainable aviation technologies, while fostering strategic partnerships across the Middle East and beyond .
Central to Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, SADEX 2026 will highlight how drones are revolutionizing sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and energy.
Saudi Drone Market Analysis
Saudi Arabia’s drone market is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by technological advancements, cost efficiency, and supportive government policies. Key trends include:Market Size: Projected to reach $13.1 million in revenue by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.13% from 2024–2028. By 2029, the market is expected to exceed 374,000 drones in operation .
Sectoral Adoption:Logistics: Drones are transforming last-mile delivery in remote regions, reducing costs by 40% compared to traditional methods.
Energy: Oil and gas companies use drones for pipeline inspections, cutting maintenance time by 60%.
Agriculture: Precision farming drones optimize water usage and crop yields, addressing food security challenges.
Regulatory Support: The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has streamlined licensing processes, enabling commercial drone operations in 90% of the country’s airspace.
Why Exhibit at SADEX 2026?
SADEX 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for stakeholders to:
Access High-Value Markets: Engage with decision-makers from Saudi Arabia’s $5.2 billion defense budget and emerging sectors like renewable energy .
Showcase Innovation: Launch new products in front of 110,000+ industry professionals, including military officials, tech investors, and supply chain leaders.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Leverage curated B2B meetings to collaborate with Saudi conglomerates like NEOM and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which are investing heavily in drone infrastructure.
Stay Ahead of Trends: Attend workshops on AI integration, blockchain for supply chain tracking, and counter-drone technologies to mitigate security risks .
Key Vertical Sectors
Energy & Utilities: Inspection drones for oil rigs, solar farms, and power grids.
Healthcare: Medical supply delivery drones, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Public Safety: Anti-drone systems, surveillance UAVs for border control, and disaster response solutions.
Entertainment: Aerial cinematography drones for film production and live events.
Smart Cities: Autonomous delivery networks and traffic management systems.
Previous Edition Highlights (SADEX 2025)
150+ global exhibitors, including Chinese drone giants like Wing Loong and Saudi startups developing AI-powered agricultural drones.
10,000+ registered attendees, with 40% representing government agencies and defense contractors.
Strategic Partnerships: Announcements included a $50 million joint venture between Saudi Arabia and Turkey to produce military-grade drones locally .
Exhibits Scope
Manufacturers & Suppliers
UAVs, counter-drone systems, and drone batteries (e.g., lithium-sulfur batteries with 12-hour flight times).
Charging infrastructure, including solar-powered stations for remote operations.
Security Solutions
Soft Kill counter-drone technologies (GPS jamming, radio frequency interference).
Hard Kill systems (laser-based interceptors, net-launching drones) .
Crowd management drones with thermal imaging and AI-driven threat detection.
IT & AI Innovations
Blockchain platforms for drone fleet management and secure data sharing.
AI algorithms optimizing flight routes and predictive maintenance.
GIS & Mapping
LiDAR sensors for 3D terrain modeling in construction and mining.
Satellite navigation systems integrating GPS and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Smart City IoT network.
