The Royal Saudi Navy will host the fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in Riyadh from Nov. 23 to 25, 2026, bringing together government and military officials, policymakers and stakeholders from the defense, energy, logistics, communications and technology sectors.
Held under the patronage of Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, the forum comes as maritime security faces increasingly complex challenges, including growing threats to critical infrastructure beneath the sea.
Seabed security takes center stage
Seabed security and threats to supply chains will be among the forum’s main areas of discussion.
The focus reflects the growing dependence of global economies on underwater infrastructure, particularly submarine communication cables and energy pipelines.
Subsea cables form a critical component of the global digital infrastructure, while energy pipelines support the movement of vital resources between markets. Protecting both has therefore become an increasingly important element of national and international security.
Protecting maritime systems
The forum will also examine ways to protect maritime systems and improve their operational efficiency.
The discussions reflect the expanding definition of maritime security, which now extends beyond protecting vessels and shipping routes to include communications networks, energy infrastructure, logistics systems and digital technologies connected to the marine environment.
AI and emerging technologies
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will also feature prominently in the forum’s discussions.
Advanced digital tools are increasingly being used to analyze maritime data, support operational decision-making, detect potential threats and improve the efficiency of complex marine operations.
The forum will provide an opportunity to explore how these technologies can strengthen maritime capabilities while improving the ability of operators and authorities to respond to rapidly changing conditions.
Participation from more than 40 countries
Organizations and institutions from more than 40 countries have confirmed their participation, according to the organizers.
The international attendance positions the forum as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, developing partnerships and building common perspectives on the future of maritime security.
Participants will represent a broad range of sectors, including defense, government, energy, logistics, communications, technology and the wider maritime industry.
A biennial platform for maritime security
The Saudi International Maritime Forum is held every two years and has developed into a platform for discussing emerging challenges and transformations affecting the maritime environment.
Its fourth edition underlines Saudi Arabia’s interest in maritime security as an important pillar of regional and international stability, while strengthening international cooperation and the exchange of expertise.
The Kingdom’s geographic position and importance to global energy, trade and maritime transport further reinforce the significance of issues such as supply-chain security and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
Preparations underway for the scientific program
Organizers are currently preparing the forum’s scientific program and coordinating with government, military and international agencies involved in the event.
The program is expected to combine strategic perspectives with operational expertise and technological developments, creating opportunities to address maritime security challenges from multiple angles.
With the forum scheduled to take place in Riyadh in November, Saudi Arabia is positioning the event as an important international platform for dialogue on maritime security, the protection of critical seabed infrastructure and the development of capabilities capable of responding to evolving threats.
