Startime Events announced the signing of the contract to organize the fourth edition of the Saudi International Maritime Forum (SIM 2026) with the Supreme Supervisory Committee of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, under the supervision and direct oversight of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces General Staff. This step reflects the growing institutional confidence in the capabilities of national companies to manage high-level sovereign events and reinforces the long-standing partnership between both parties since the Forum’s inaugural edition in 2019.
This agreement marks a continuation of a strategic collaboration through which Startime has consistently demonstrated its ability to advance the Forum’s organizational model, elevate its international presence, and expand participation from governmental, military, and technological entities worldwide. Through successive editions, the company has played a pivotal role in establishing the Forum as a leading global platform for maritime security and supply-chains, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position within the international maritime security landscape.
The signing also aligns with Startime’s broader direction toward building a portfolio of sovereign projects across several principal domains, including defense and security, energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, and high-level government events. This strategic orientation reflects the company’s vision to deepen its presence within sovereign sectors and develop advanced operational models that meet the precision and professionalism required for sensitive national events.
Startime’s role is further reinforced by its standing as a member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), a distinction that grants the company international accreditation in the management of major business and governmental events. This membership strengthens Startime’s ability to apply global standards in event organization, operations, and participant experience, and serves as a foundational pillar in shaping an organizational model that reflects the Forum’s international stature and sovereign nature.
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. The event continues its trajectory as one of the leading international events dedicated to maritime security, the protection of seabed infrastructure, and the future of supply chains in a critically changing world.
As the licensed organizer and holder of the organizational mandate, Startime is implementing an integrated operational plan that includes managing logistical operations, coordinating participation with governmental, military, and international entities, overseeing the scientific program, and managing protocol arrangements for official delegations. The company is also developing a comprehensive international media framework that reflects the Forum’s global significance, while working to attract leading international firms specializing in maritime security and seabed technologies, ensuring that SIM 2026 serves as a platform for strategic dialogue and high-value partnerships.
International entities from more than 40 countries have begun confirming their participation in the fourth edition, underscoring the Forum’s position as a global event that brings together naval leaders, decision-makers, experts, and industrial and technological institutions to discuss the future of maritime security amid evolving global challenges affecting maritime infrastructure and global supply chains.
