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The Higher Organizing Committee of the Saudi International Maritime Forum has announced the commencement of preparations for the fourth edition of the Forum, SIM 2026, taking place 23-25 November 2026 at the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center.
Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense, SIM 2026 is organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense.
The Forum will bring together naval, government and military leaders with leading industrial and technology experts to address the future of maritime security.
Connecting Decision-Makers with Industry Leaders
Official invitations have been extended to more than 25 Chiefs of Navy and 52 delegations representing over 40 countries.
SIM 2026 is expected to welcome more than 100 speakers, 1200 delegates, 50 sponsoring companies and 12 specialized technology platforms.
The international delegations will also include influential leaders and experts from major global defense and maritime companies participating as speakers and sponsors. Their involvement will connect strategic discussions with the technologies and solutions shaping the future maritime domain.
The Forum will convene senior government representatives, naval commanders, operational decision-makers, procurement stakeholders, industry executives and technical experts to exchange knowledge, explore cooperation and build strategic partnerships across defense, energy, transport, logistics, communications and technology.
Maritime Security and Supply Chains at the Center of the Agenda
The fourth edition will be held under the theme: “The Future of Seabed Security & Maritime Supply Chains in a Critically Changing World.”
The theme responds to the evolving challenges facing subsea cables, energy infrastructure, ports, maritime routes, transport networks and global supply chains. SIM 2026 will approach maritime security from a comprehensive perspective, connecting activities above the surface and in the depths with the security of energy, data and trade. Its three principal programme pillars are:
- Maritime energy supply chains.
- Maritime transport and supply chains.
- Seabed security and digital infrastructure.
The agenda will also examine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), uncrewed systems, surveillance and sensing technologies, and maritime cybersecurity in protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening maritime domain awareness.
Strategic Opportunities for Sponsors
SIM 2026 will provide sponsoring companies with direct engagement opportunities involving naval leadership, decision-makers, and participating government, military and regulatory authorities. Sponsors will also benefit from structured business-to-government meetings, opportunities to showcase solutions through dedicated technology platforms, and institutional visibility before a specialized international audience. Depending on the approved sponsorship benefits, companies may also nominate speakers for consideration by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, allowing industry expertise to contribute to discussions shaping the future of maritime security.
