FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
01Will there be a FastTrack entry at the airport?
Yes, fast track will be available at passport control. Please show your printed or electronic badge to the airport staff who will then direct you to the fast-track lanes.
02How do I access the show?
For security reasons, all personnel must wear their badges during the show. Kindly ensure you have printed your digital badge and take it to the show.
03What is WDS 2024’s ticket refund policy?
Refund is accepted on exceptional bases only and upon the discretion of the Organizer’s. For
more information on this, please contact [email protected]
04Is there parking available at the show?
Complimentary parking is available on site for exhibitors and visitors. No car parking passes are needed to access to these car parks. All vehicles will be directed to the car parks by our traffic marshals. However, Parking spaces are limited - we request that visitors car share or use public transport where possible
05Can I bring my own food & drink?
The official show caterer is the only company permitted to provide food and beverage services within the exhibition venue, including stand deliveries. All stand catering requirements must be booked and ordered-through the official show caterer. No external catering contractors are permitted on site, and all delivery services will be turned away at the main gate.
06Will the conference be in English or Arabic?
Conferences will be in English or Arabic depending on the speaker’s preference. Translation
services will be provided.
07How can I register as a visitor?
Visitors can register and purchase their badge via the official website. From here you can click on the Register Now button. You will be required to complete an online form with all necessary information and should purchase your badge post before submitting your details. Once approved by WDS you will receive an email with your badge confirmation.
08Where can I print my badge? Do I have to print my e-ticket(s) or can I have it on my phone?
All badges are print at home (PAH). We highly encourage you to print your badges at home and carry it with you to the show. PAH badges will allow you fast track entry at the airport and will allow smooth access into the show. You can also avail the complimentary shuttle bus services from our preferred hotels to the venue by showing your PAH badge. A list of preferred hotels will be updated in the exhibitor portal in the coming weeks.
09Can I edit the information of the badge after submission?
Each badge is valid for only one attendee and is non-transferrable.
10For how long is my badge valid?
Your badge is valid from the 5th till the 8th February 2024. Please refer to the dates mentioned in your digital badge which needs to be printed before coming to the show to avoid long queues.
11Do I need to show identification to enter the WDS 2024 site?
All persons attending the exhibition should carry and produce on request a supporting personal photographic identity document - passport, photo- ID, military ID, driving licence, national identity document or similar.
12Can I register onsite?
Anyone wishing to attend the exhibition (including those who have been invited by an exhibitor) must pre-register via the official website. Registrations should be completed as soon as possible to ensure there is adequate time to process the application prior to the event. There will be no onsite registration facility.
13How to apply for a Visa?
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world and has recently made significant changes to its visa policies to encourage tourism and attract more visitors. The Kingdom is committed to making the visa application process as smooth and efficient as possible.
You can apply for a visa after completing your registration for the show following a vetting process.
Step 1 – Complete your badge registration on WDS official platforms
Step 2 – Receive your badge confirmation email which embeds the visa application link
Step 3 – Visit the unique link shared in the badge confirmation email and register for your Visa
Step 4 – Complete your visa application and pay associated fees (including health insurance)
Step 5 – Print your badge and visa confirmation and bring it to the airport to avoid queues and make use of the fast-track access at KKIA
Alternative methods of getting a visa to the Kingdom are:
- e-Visa–Tourists from eligible countries can apply for a tourist visa online through the e-Visa
portal ahead of their trip.
- Visa on Arrival-Tourists can apply for visa on arrival at one of Saudi Arabia's entry points if
any of the following conditions apply: The tourist is from one of the countries in the eligible
countries list.
• The tourist is holding USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen visas. The following requirements must apply:
• The visa is valid.
• The visa type is either tourist or business.
• The visa must be used at least once and have an entry stamp of the issuing country.
• Holders of permanent residence from (US, UK or EU) after ensuring presence of the resident. This includes first-degree relatives of the visa holders coming with them. Consulate Visa-Tourists that are not from the eligible countries should apply for a consulate visa through Saudi embassies and consulates.
14Who can attend the show?
World Defense Show is open to official delegations, exhibitors’ guests, WDS VIPs, Ministry of
Defence, Government visitors (KSA and overseas), media and trade visitors. Visitors should be engaged in legitimate areas of defence and associated industry, the government, equipment procurement organisations, defence colleges and research establishments.
15Are children allowed into the event?
No person under the age of 16 years will be admitted into the show.
16Will there be any activities during the show?
Yes, the show program will be available closer to the show. Please check our official website for the latest updates.
17Who is the official accommodation & travel provider? Are hotels available to book? Is there a bus service to and from preferred hotels?
We have collaborated with some of the top-rated brands in the industry to ensure that all our guests have access to the best possible options. Our team has negotiated exclusive deals with our accommodation partners, so exhibitors and visitors can take advantage of unbeatable rates during their stay along with flight bookings as well. Shuttle services, as well as Information Desks, will be operating from preferred hotels to support guests. Email [email protected] for any enquiries you may have regarding this.
18Where is the venue located?
The WDS venue is located 70km from central Riyadh and takes approximately one hour travel time by car via one main highway. You can use Google Maps: World Defense Show - Event Venue to get to the venue smoothly.
19How far is the WDS venue from the airport?
The WDS venue is approximately 45 minutes away from the airport.
20What is the estimated travel time and cost to the venue?
The venue is approximately one hour from central Riyadh, with a costing around SAR220 (USD60) by taxi.
21Are there prayer rooms onsite?
The venue has designated male and female prayers rooms with washing facilities.
22Are there ATM'S available at the venue?
There are 2 ATMs available at the venue, however, all points of sale will accept card payment and cash
23Is Wi-Fi available at the show?
Free Wi-Fi is available at the show for all visitors.
24What are the languages spoken in KSA?
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia and the primary language used in all dealings and public transactions. English serves as an informal second language in the Kingdom and is spoken by a large section of its society. All road signs are bilingual, showing information in both Arabic and English.
25What currency is used?
Currency exchange and transactions are easy in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi riyal (س.ر SAR)
26Are there Saudi Arabian photography rules?
Saudis value their privacy a lot, especially females. So before taking any picture, especially if people are included, ask them first. You should also be careful taking photographs of government buildings, including police stations, and national infrastructure such as airports. Cell phone photography is generally fine, but if you are using a full-size camera with a telephoto lens, you might be asked to stop.
27What are common greetings in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, when we greet each other, we say “Alsalamu Alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.”.
28What is Saudi Arabia’s dress code for women and men?
Traditionally, women wear an abaya [a long robe or cloak that covers the whole body] over their everyday clothing. As for men, they can wear anything from the traditional thobe [a long-sleeved, gownlike garment] to jeans and a t-shirt. In 2019, Saudi introduced the “Public Decency Law,” which explains what does and does not count as good attire in public for ladies and gentlemen. Basically, loose-fitting clothing that covers to the elbow and below the ankle is recommended for both men and women in public.
29Where can I exchange my Currency?
All banks in the Kingdom offer currency exchange services. Exchange bureaus are located at
airports, some shopping centres and various other locations throughout the country. Credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the Kingdom. ATMs are also widely available.
30What is the Tax in KSA?
Saudi Arabia imposes an indirect tax of 15% (VAT) on all goods and services purchased and sold by enterprises. There are some exceptions.
31Are there any shuttles available?
Shuttles will be available from our 10 preferred hotels free of charge. Please make sure
you utilize your badge as it’s based on first come, first served from and to the WDS
venue.
32Can we rent a car in Riyadh?
Car rental is available through our accommodation agency Almatar. For any inquires or
booking please reach out to [email protected]
33Are there any Taxi services available?
Taxi Services will be available at the airport, venue and close to the preferred hotels for
your convenience. To proceed with the booking, please visit this link:
safwabusiness.com/page/worlddefenseshow
34Can we book Private Cars?
We are providing a variety of private vehicles with a chauffeur that can be booked for 1
trip, daily booking and booking for the 5 days of the show at a very convenient price. To
proceed with the booking, please visit this link:
safwabusiness.com/page/worlddefenseshow
35Can we rent a Private Bus?
We do offer private buses for rental with a starting price of SAR2,000 for a 12-hour
rental period, with additional hours billed at SAR200 each. To proceed with the booking,
please visit this link: WDS BOOKING - hub.motusone.com