When a summit stretches across an entire month and touches every region of a country, it signals something bigger than a typical conference. Saudi Arabia’s Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) has unveiled a sprawling program that begins in November and culminates in a high-level December gathering under the patronage of the Crown Prince.
The program includes GSTS Month (Nov 1-30) across 13 Saudi regions, the SAIF innovation fair (Nov 24-26) and the main Summit (Dec 18-20, 2026)
The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, convening representatives from government, private, and nonprofit sectors to detail the activities leading up to the summit. The main event will be held 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, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.
During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, which is built around three distinct components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), scheduled for November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, set for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.
GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops delivered across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, both in person and remotely, in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long effort aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the skills needed to build innovative solutions for future security and technology challenges.
The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.
Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will gather government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also 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, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.
Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is 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, said 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, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.
SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide 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 featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused 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, with the Ministry of Education serving 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.
Alaa Abutair
Approach Communications
Why it matters: This three-part, region-wide program signals Saudi Arabia’s ambition to build a homegrown security and technology workforce, not just import solutions. By spreading training and innovation events across all 13 administrative regions, the initiative aims to surface local talent and create a pipeline of professionals ready to tackle cybersecurity, AI, and IoT challenges — a critical need as the Kingdom accelerates its digital transformation.
