Riyadh is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Saudi International Maritime Forum from 23 to 25 November 2026, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense, and organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The Forum comes at a time when the global maritime environment is undergoing unprecedented shifts, with rising threats targeting seabed infrastructure and global supply chains. The fourth edition introduces a comprehensive program and agenda that reflect the scale of challenges facing the world’s seas amid rapidly evolving geopolitical and technological dynamics.
The theme of the fourth edition, “The Future of Seabed Security & Maritime Supply Chains in a Critically Changing World,” underscores the growing international recognition of the importance of seabed infrastructure, from undersea communication cables carrying more than 95% of the world’s data to energy pipelines that form the backbone of global trade. As risks targeting these critical systems continue to escalate, the Forum serves as an international platform bringing together experts and decision-makers from dozens of countries to explore the future of maritime security through an integrated perspective that connects the surface to the depths, and energy to data and trade.
The Forum’s agenda features advanced discussions on the shifting global strategic environment and its impact on the security of maritime supply chains, particularly as international crises place mounting pressure on trade routes that transport nearly 80% of the world’s goods. It also examines the vulnerabilities facing subsea energy pipelines and their implications for global economic stability, at a time when recent disruptions have exposed the fragility of supply systems and driven shipping costs up by more than 350% when a single corridor is disrupted.
Further discussions will address the protection of the seabed and subsea digital infrastructure, both of which have become essential components of national security. The Forum highlights the challenges facing undersea cables stretching more than 1.4 million kilometers, and the cyber risks that threaten global communications and financial markets. It also explores the role of artificial intelligence and unmanned systems in strengthening deterrence, surveillance, and the protection of seabed infrastructure, amid growing global reliance on smart technologies in maritime operations.
The fourth edition represents a unique opportunity for government entities, military organizations, private-sector entities, and international technology institutions to contribute to a shared vision for the future of maritime security. It provides a platform for building new partnerships that enhance the resilience of supply chains and support the stable flow of energy, data, and trade in a rapidly changing world. The Forum also serves as an ideal venue for showcasing advanced maritime technologies, exchanging expertise, and engaging in a global dialogue that redefines maritime security in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
