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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Saudi Arabia Military Industries CEO Walid Abukhaled tours a manufacturing hub of the SAMI subsidiary Aircraft Accessories and Components Co., accompanied by company CEO Mazen Johar. (SAMI photo)
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The corvette HMS Diriyah was the second corvette to be delivered to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces by Spain's Navantia company last year under a joint venture with SAMI. (Supplied)
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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 Shoura Council speaker receives Japan’s newly appointed envoy

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Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Japan’s newly appointed envoy

Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Asheikh received Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The Japanese ambassador praised the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, affirming his country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to bolster parliamentary collaboration between the Shoura Council and the Japanese Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.


Qassim governor praises green initiative’s success

Updated 4 min 40 sec ago
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Qassim governor praises green initiative’s success

  • The Green Qassim Land Initiative has completed planting 5 million trees as part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative

RIYADH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal commended the success of the Green Qassim Land Initiative in planting 5 million trees as part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative.

In a meeting on Wednesday, he praised government and private sector efforts, particularly the contributions of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.

The governor also lauded the ministry’s and center’s innovative approach to repurposing materials confiscated from environmental regulation violators for sustainable reforestation, notably in Qassim National Park.

Prince Faisal reaffirmed the region’s commitment to expanding vegetation cover and strengthening environmental protection, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry’s Qassim branch director general, Salman Al-Suwainea, said that the initiative has progressed through various stages of collaboration with governmental and nonprofit organizations, playing a key role in advancing the Saudi Green Initiative’s objectives.


King Faisal Prize announces winners for Service to Islam

Updated 9 min 56 sec ago
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King Faisal Prize announces winners for Service to Islam

  • The prize was awarded jointly to the Mushaf Tibyan Project for the Deaf, and Sami Abdullah Almaghlouth, consultant at the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

RIYADH: The 2025 King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam has been awarded jointly to the Mushaf Tibyan Project for the Deaf, and Sami Abdullah Almaghlouth, consultant at the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

Mushaf Tibyan Project for the Deaf is a Saudi initiative by the Liajlehum Association, which serves people with disabilities.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal announced the laureates for the Service to Islam category at a ceremony in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Mushaf Tibyan Project for the Deaf has been awarded the prize for its provision of a complete Qur’anic interpretation in sign language, and for providing an interactive Qur’an for those with hearing disabilities.

It offers an innovative approach to Qur’anic interpretation, using techniques that enable the deaf to reflect on and understand the meaning of the Holy Qur’an.

Sami Abdullah Almaghlouth has been awarded the prize for his outstanding efforts in documenting Islamic history, his achievements in the field of historical and geographical atlases, and his accomplishments in both the diversity and comprehensiveness of the topics covered, which include most aspects of Islamic history, its figures, monuments and stages.

The Saudi national’s work includes atlases on the life of Prophet Muhammad, the history of the prophets and messengers, the Rashidun caliphs, atlases on religions, places in the Holy Qur’an, Islamic sects and schools of thought, Hadith scholars, and Holy Qur’an interpreters.

His work has been translated into several languages.

Earlier, on Jan. 8, the KFP, awarded in five categories, was announced, except for the Service to Islam prize. Announcing the winners then, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, KFP secretary-general, said: “The selection committees, after meticulous deliberations, have reached decisions for ... Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science. ”

The coveted prize for Islamic studies for 2025 was awarded jointly to Professor Saad Abdulaziz Alrashid and Professor Said Faiz Alsaid. Both are Saudi nationals and professors at King Saud University.

The prize for Arabic language and literature was withheld due to the nominated works not reaching the set criteria.

The prize for medicine was awarded to Michel Sadelain (Canada), and the prize for science awarded in physics to Sumio Iijima, a professor at Meijo University, Japan. 

The KFP was established in 1977, and given for the first time in 1979 in three categories — Service to Islam, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature. Two additional categories were introduced in 1981 — medicine and science. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.

Each prize laureate is endowed with $200,000, a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a certificate inscribed with the laureate’s name and a summary of the work that qualified them for the prize.


Women’s voices should be at forefront of policy, says UN climate champion

Updated 29 January 2025
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Women’s voices should be at forefront of policy, says UN climate champion

  • Sarah El-Battouty sheds light on underrepresentation of women in the green economy
  • Event in Bahrain aimed to amplify the voices of women in the industry

MANAMA: Women leaders from the MENA region are playing a transformative role in advancing climate action, a UN climate champion told Arab News.

“Women leaders in green tech and the green economy remain a minority, representing 30 percent of climate negotiations and less than 3 percent at the helm of tech companies,” said Sarah El-Battouty, global ambassador for the UNFCCC Climate Change High-Level Champions.

El-Battouty spoke to Arab News on the sidelines of the Sustainability Forum Middle East in Manama, Bahrain, where she attended the evening event titled “Women’s Leadership in Climate and Sustainability — Amplifying the Voices of MENA’s Changemakers.”

The event, held in partnership with Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women and the Supreme Council for Environment, aims to showcase the contributions of female experts from across the MENA region.

El-Battouty, who is also chairwoman of ECONSULT Sustainable Architecture, highlighted the importance of diverse leadership, inclusive policymaking and technology in addressing the climate crisis.

“The role of the UNFCCC Climate Change High-Level Champions is critical to the policymaking and way forward for climate action and dialogue between stakeholders,” she said.

El-Battouty said that for many years, climate discussions were dominated by governments and financial institutions, leaving the private sector as mere implementers of policies.

She shed light on the underrepresentation of women in the green economy and tech sectors and the need for their inclusion.

“Among them, women have been selected on merit to put forward the case of solutions led and created by women for women and broader communities from all over the world,” El-Battouty said.

She said that while women played a transformative role in driving climate action, they faced significant economic and social barriers, particularly in access to climate financing.

El-Battouty said that challenges for women-led green initiatives in the MENA region often stemmed from systemic barriers rather than purely socio-cultural norms.

“There are hidden root causes less prominent than social norms verified as key limitations,” she said.

Women-led initiatives struggle to secured financial resources due to gender biases in financing systems, El-Battouty said.

“They are financed in smaller installments and often encouraged to have a male executive to unlock further financing.”

She added that limited ownership of assets, such as land, restricted women from securing collateral for loans. “Many women risk their savings or become indebted from the outset.”

El-Battouty added that unequal access to STEM education reduced opportunities for women to lead in technical and environmental fields.

“Less than 19 percent of women enter STEM education,” she said.

El-Battouty said that advancing inclusive policies addressing the social dimensions of climate change — such as gender equality, education and community resilience — was essential.

“These policies ensure that marginalized groups, including women and children, are part of the solution and recognize that as the most vulnerable to loss and damage and migration, women’s voices should be at the forefront of holistic policy frameworks,” she said.

El-Battouty called for accessible and affordable technology to empower women across all demographics.

“Women engage collaborative approaches, especially with other women, because they recognize them as stakeholders of climate actions, ensuring their livelihoods are sustained and information is learned, co-developed and passed on to generations,” she said.

El-Battouty said that women were critical advocates for inclusive and sustainable practices in industries such as housing and construction, which were responsible for nearly 40 percent of global emissions according to the UN.

“It is women in the industry who have advocated for the inclusion of rural villages, low-income housing and indigenous communities to be included in climate-resilient intervention and green buildings,” El-Battouty said.

Despite challenges, she celebrated the achievements of women leaders in advancing inclusivity and sustainability.

“Women in climate take big risks and face adverse resistance, however, their activism is seeing disruptive and positive steps to be inclusive and leave no one behind,” El-Battouty said.


Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation

Updated 29 January 2025
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Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation

  • Al-Jouf University took first place with its innovative project to preserve Saudi heritage through an online platform promoting historical sites across the Kingdom
  • Aligned with Vision 2030, the National History Lab gave youth and organizations passionate about preserving Saudi heritage a platform to collaborate and compete

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives, Darah, concluded its three-day National History Lab on Tuesday at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, showing ways to preserve and celebrate Saudi history. 

Themed “History in the Eyes of the Future,” the event brought together 30 Saudi universities and 15 national and international organizations to inspire innovative approaches to documenting and sharing Saudi history.

The initiative featured two streams: the digital innovation track, which focused on developing technical solutions for documenting and sharing history; and the social impact track, designed to create initiatives that strengthen community connections to history. 

A panel of 13 judges evaluated the submissions, supported by more than 20 facilitators who guided participants in refining their ideas.

Al-Jouf University took first place with its innovative project to preserve Saudi heritage through an online platform promoting historical sites across the Kingdom.

Wajd Al-Huzaim, a student from the winning team, explained the concept: “Al-Majlis is a Saudi social media app connecting the Kingdom’s regions through communities. Each region is represented as a ‘majlis,’ such as Majlis Al-Jouf, Majlis Riyadh, and so on.

“People share posts about historical sites, their homes, and interact through likes and comments.”

She said that the app awards badges for visiting historical sites where users can check in at these locations to earn badges. “Once they collect a certain number, they achieve the title of ‘guide.’” 

Al-Huzaim emphasized the app’s impact, saying: “It connects people to local landmarks and encourages citizens to promote their region’s history. By turning Saudi heritage into a trend, it appeals to the younger generation, making history relevant and engaging.” 

The event included workshops, exhibitions, and talks by various experts. At one of the booths by Darah, visitors were able to learn how colors and inks were traditionally extracted from plants.

Munirah Al-Qahtani, a researcher at Darah, said: “In the past, our ancestors used these natural methods to color doors, windows, and houses where they would dissolve gum arabic to create a liquid substance that was mixed with the colors. This process ensured the durability of the piece and preserved its quality, preventing it from deteriorating over time.” 

Aligned with Vision 2030, the National History Lab gave youth and organizations passionate about preserving Saudi heritage a platform to collaborate and compete, the Saudi Press Agency reported.