Building on Its Strategic Partnership with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces
Startime Events has announced the signing of the organizing contract for the fourth edition of the Saudi International Maritime Forum, SIM 2026, with the Supreme Supervisory Committee of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The agreement is signed under the supervision and follow-up of the Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, reflecting the growing institutional confidence in the capabilities of national companies to manage major sovereign events. It also reinforces the longstanding partnership between the two parties since the launch of the Forum’s first edition in 2019.
This signing represents a continuation of the strategic partnership-building journey in the maritime sector, during which Startime has demonstrated its ability to develop the Forum’s organizing model, elevate its international profile, and expand participation by government, military, and technology entities from around the world. Across successive editions of the Forum, the company has helped establish it as a high-level global platform for maritime security and supply chain issues, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s presence in the international maritime security landscape.
This step comes within Startime’s direction to build a portfolio of sovereign projects across several key areas, including security and defense, energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, and high-level government events. This direction reflects the company’s vision to strengthen its presence in sovereign sectors and develop advanced operating models aligned with the nature of sensitive events that require the highest levels of professionalism and operational precision.
In undertaking this role, Startime draws on extensive cumulative experience and its status as a member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), providing it with international recognition in the management of major business events and strengthening its ability to apply global standards in organizing, operations, and participant experience management. This membership is a central element in building an organizing model that reflects the Forum’s stature and international nature, as well as the level of professionalism required for sovereign events.
The Forum will be held under the gracious patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense, from 23 to 25 November 2026 at the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center. It will continue its trajectory as one of the most important international events specialized in maritime security, the protection of subsea infrastructure, and shaping the future of supply chains in a changing global environment.
As the licensed entity and holder of the organizing rights, Startime is implementing an integrated operational plan encompassing logistics management, coordination of the participation of government, military, and international entities, supervision of the Forum’s scientific program, and management of protocol experiences for official delegations. The company is also developing an international media ecosystem that reflects the Forum’s standing and global role. In addition, Startime is working to strengthen the participation of global companies specialized in maritime security and deep technologies, while providing a professional business environment that facilitates the development of high-value strategic partnerships in the maritime sector.
International entities from more than 40 countries have begun confirming their participation in the fourth edition, reinforcing the Forum’s position as a global event that brings together naval leaders, decision-makers, experts, and industrial and technology institutions to discuss the future of maritime security amid growing challenges facing maritime infrastructure and global supply chains.
This signing confirms Startime’s ability to manage major sovereign events and supports Saudi Arabia’s position as a pivotal force in protecting vital maritime corridors and promoting the stability of global trade and energy. It is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen maritime security and develop national capabilities in this vital sector.
