Riyadh | BETH | B
June 11, 2026

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Ministry of Interior will organize the Global Security and Technology Summit (GSTS) from December 18–20, 2026, in Riyadh, in partnership with the Tuwaiq Academy.

The summit will serve as an international platform bringing together security leaders, technology experts, innovators, decision-makers, and specialists from around the world to explore the future of security and technology, strengthen international cooperation, and exchange best practices in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

The event will also feature the Security and Technology Month, a series of knowledge-sharing programs, workshops, and specialized activities, alongside interactive exhibitions and expert-led sessions.

In addition, Riyadh will host the Global Security and Technology Innovation Competition (SAIIF), one of the world's largest competitions in the field, offering prizes worth SAR 5 million and attracting innovators, researchers, and technology talents from across the globe.

BETH Analysis

Security Is No Longer About Protection Alone — It Is About Shaping the Future

The Global Security and Technology Summit reflects a major transformation in the concept of modern security.

Security is no longer limited to border protection or traditional threats. It now encompasses data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, crisis management, and the ability to anticipate risks before they emerge.

The summit comes at a time when the world is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in digital challenges, making advanced technologies an essential component of national security strategies.

From Consuming Technology to Creating It

What stands out is that Saudi Arabia is not merely seeking to attract global expertise; it is building a national ecosystem capable of developing solutions, generating knowledge, and nurturing talent.

The inclusion of the SAIIF Global Competition highlights a strategic vision that treats security as a field of innovation rather than solely an operational or administrative function.

Riyadh as a New Global Hub

Over recent years, Riyadh has evolved into a global platform for major events in investment, technology, artificial intelligence, and industry.

The Global Security and Technology Summit adds another dimension to this growing role by positioning the city at the forefront of security technology and innovation—one of the most influential sectors shaping the future of nations.

The Bigger Question

In the past, nations competed to possess the most powerful weapons.

Today, competition is increasingly centered on knowledge, algorithms, digital resilience, and the ability to secure and manage critical data.

The defining question of the future may therefore no longer be:

Who possesses the greatest power?

But rather:

Who possesses the greatest ability to anticipate threats before they emerge?