The Global Security & Technology Summit isn’t just a three-day conference anymore — it’s becoming a nationwide, month-long initiative. Organizers pulled back the curtain on the full program today in Riyadh, revealing a schedule that stretches across all 13 Saudi administrative regions before the main event convenes in the capital.
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) hosted an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, convening representatives from government, private, and nonprofit sectors to lay out the roadmap of activities leading up to the summit. The event itself 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 is organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.
At the session, the Organizing Committee detailed the complete GSTS program, which is built on three pillars: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), scheduled for November 24 to 26, 2026; and the flagship Summit, set for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these components form an integrated framework aimed at driving security and technology innovation, boosting national capabilities, and encouraging cross-border collaboration.
GSTS Month is designed to deploy working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely alongside specialized partners. This extended program is intended to strengthen national skills, uncover emerging talent, expand knowledge-exchange opportunities, and prepare professionals with the tools needed to craft innovative responses to future security and technology challenges.
The main Summit is set to assemble global leaders, policymakers, experts, and innovators to examine the future of security and technology, push for the adoption of advanced technologies in the security field, reinforce national capabilities, spur innovation, and build international partnerships — all while further cementing the Kingdom’s status as a global hub for security and technology.
Designed to display the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will gather government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to enable knowledge transfer and cooperation across critical domains, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The agenda includes main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is open at gsts.sa.
Ahmed Altowayan, Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, said the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to create a sophisticated security and technology ecosystem centered on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.
Mr. Altowayan added that the summit serves as a global platform for enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise, anticipating future shifts in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that boost the efficiency and readiness of security systems.
Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, noted that the summit will deliver a range of integrated programs and activities focused on elevating national skills, promoting innovation, and backing international collaboration.
He further explained that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and refine skills, while SAIF will give innovators and researchers from across the globe a stage to present leading technological solutions. The main Summit, he said, will gather leaders and experts to deliberate on the future of security and technology and explore new avenues for strategic partnerships.
SAIF will be hosted at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talent, and industry experts from around the world to demonstrate promising innovations and projects spanning 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will offer chances to connect with project owners — including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs — and to explore various stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and specialist-led knowledge-sharing workshops. Visitor registration is open to participants from both inside and outside the Kingdom via saifair.sa.
The introductory session also included input from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit entities, as well as media members. Discussions centered on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, converting scientific research into practical applications, 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.
Why it matters: The expansion of GSTS from a single summit into a month-long, nationwide program signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to build a domestic pipeline of security and technology talent, not just host a high-level gathering. By pushing training and innovation fairs into all 13 regions, the Kingdom is positioning itself to develop homegrown expertise that can support its broader digital transformation goals — a move with implications for regional security and tech markets alike.
Alaa Abutair
Approach Communications
