Impact and Legacy

Anticipating the Future of Global Maritime Security

Since the launch of its first edition in 2019, followed by the second in 2022 and the third in 2024, the Saudi International Maritime Forum has established itself as one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to shaping the future of maritime security. It was inaugurated with the approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and is held biennially, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment and pivotal role in safeguarding critical maritime corridors and anticipating emerging maritime threats.

SIMF 2026 naval and government leadership audience

From Securing Maritime Corridors to Protecting the Seabed

The SIM Forum legacy reflects the continuous evolution of maritime security concepts. Throughout its journey, successive editions have progressed from focusing on safeguarding the strategic corridors that sustain global trade and energy flows, to confronting emerging threats posed by unmanned systems, and ultimately to examining the transformations driven by artificial intelligence in maritime operations. Together, these editions have established the strategic foundation of the Saudi International Maritime Forum, guiding its focus toward seabed security, critical subsea infrastructure, and resilient maritime supply chains within an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

Editions That Shaped the Forum's Legacy

2019

1st Edition – Riyadh 2019

Securing Strategic Maritime Corridors

The first edition was held in Riyadh from 24 to 26 November 2019, under the gracious patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It laid the foundation for an international forum dedicated to the security of strategic maritime corridors as critical arteries for global trade and energy; this inaugural edition focused on securing shipping lanes and protecting critical maritime routes in a region through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes, while fostering a shared understanding of the essential role maritime security plays in the stability of the international economy.

2022

2nd Edition – Jeddah 2022

Protecting Naval Units and Coastal Sites from Unmanned Threats

The second edition was held in Jeddah from 15 to 17 November 2022, under the gracious patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. This edition witnessed the participation of 37 senior leaders and heads of maritime and environmental authorities representing fleets from 15 brotherly and friendly nations, alongside international experts and researchers. It served as a global platform to discuss emerging unmanned threats and their impact on global trade security and maritime corridor protection, while showcasing innovative solutions and technologies to safeguard vital maritime assets.

2024

3rd Edition – Dhahran 2024

Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The third edition was held in Dhahran from 19 to 21 November 2024, marking a significant shift in the Forum’s trajectory by focusing on maritime security in the age of artificial intelligence and the profound transformations it brings to the maritime operational environment. This edition examined the impact of intelligent systems, advanced analytics, and unmanned technologies on deterrence concepts, surveillance, and the protection of maritime corridors and the seabed, in addition to addressing the cyber challenges associated with the maritime digital infrastructure.

Pivotal Milestones in the Evolution of the Global Maritime Security Agenda

A Progressive Path Aligned with Global Maritime Security Transformations

2019

Securing Strategic Maritime Corridors

Protecting the maritime routes that sustain global trade and energy security.

2022

Unmanned Threats

Safeguarding naval units, coastal sites, and critical assets from emerging unmanned threats.

2024

Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Understanding how intelligent and autonomous technologies are reshaping maritime security concepts.

2026

Seabed Security and Maritime Supply Chains

Protecting critical seabed infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of maritime supply chains in a rapidly changing world.

Saudi International Maritime Forum 2026 hero banner, Riyadh

A Lasting Impact and Legacy

Fourth Edition | Riyadh 2026

The Future of Seabed Security and Maritime Supply Chains in a Critically Changing World Following the significant success and strategic outcomes achieved across its previous editions, the Forum continues to advance international dialogue on seabed security, critical subsea infrastructure, and the maritime supply chains that connect global economies. The fourth edition will bring together naval leaders, government officials, decision-makers, researchers, and key stakeholders to address its core themes within an increasingly complex global environment strengthening cooperation and exploring practical solutions to ensure global maritime security. 23–25 November 2026 Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center