Startime has announced the organization of the 4th Saudi International Maritime Forum, in cooperation with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 November 2026 at the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense. The organization of the Forum represents a continuation of the strategic partnership between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Startime, reflecting the mutual trust established through the successful delivery of previous editions and reinforcing the Forum’s position as one of the leading international platforms dedicated to maritime security affairs.
The Saudi International Maritime Forum represents one of the flagship projects within the Startime Government Portfolio, which is dedicated to developing national initiatives and high-level business events that support the objectives of government entities, as well as the programs and projects of Saudi Vision 2030. Through this portfolio, Startime develops platforms for dialogue and collaboration that bring together decision-makers, experts, and leaders of critical sectors. In line with this approach, the company continues to create specialized events with both national and international dimensions, contributing to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for strategic dialogue and international cooperation on matters of shared importance.
The launch of the fourth edition comes at a time when the international maritime environment is undergoing rapid transformation, accompanied by growing concern over the security of seas, strategic waterways, and critical infrastructure extending across the seabed. Subsea data cables carrying global communications, energy pipelines, and underwater strategic assets have become essential enablers of the global digital economy, international trade, and worldwide energy security. As a result, the need for specialized international platforms to discuss the future protection of these vital assets and strengthen international cooperation has become increasingly important.
In response to these developments, the fourth edition of the Forum will be organized under the theme: The Future of Seabed Security and Maritime Supply Chains in a Critically Changing World; This theme reflects the growing significance of deep-sea infrastructure security and its role in supporting global economic stability, international trade, energy flows, and communications networks. It also demonstrates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at enhancing maritime corridor security and protecting the shared interests of nations and peoples.
The Forum also embodies one of Startime’s key investment pathways within the National Security domain, which serves as a fundamental pillar of the company’s investment philosophy. Startime believes that accelerating global transformations require the development of an integrated security framework encompassing maritime security, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, and economic security. Through its specialized projects, the company seeks to establish platforms that bring together government entities, experts, and international partners to strengthen national preparedness and support sustainable economic and social development.
The Forum is expected to attract distinguished naval leaders, policymakers, government officials, international experts, industrial and technology companies, and specialized research institutions to participate in a high-level international dialogue on the future of maritime security and its related opportunities and challenges. Discussions will address a number of priority topics of growing relevance to governments and international organizations, including the protection of subsea digital infrastructure, maritime energy security, global supply chain resilience, maritime cybersecurity, and the role of unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies in enhancing maritime security, improving surveillance capabilities, strengthening response mechanisms, and advancing risk management.
The Forum’s Higher Organizing Committee, operating under the direct supervision of the supervisory committee of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, is implementing a comprehensive preparation plan that includes the development of the scientific program, coordination with government, military, and international stakeholders, engagement with speakers and subject-matter experts, and the deployment of the operational and technical infrastructure required to deliver a world-class experience commensurate with the significance of the event and the Kingdom’s international standing. Organizations, experts, and participating entities from more than forty countries have already begun confirming their participation, reflecting the Forum’s growing importance as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation on maritime security issues.
The Saudi International Maritime Forum serves as a practical embodiment of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 through strengthening the Kingdom’s international presence, expanding global partnerships, and reinforcing its position as a regional and international hub for specialized business events and strategic dialogue. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in supporting international maritime security, protecting vital maritime corridors, and contributing to the stability of global trade and energy markets as a nation whose economic and strategic interests are closely linked to maritime security and the uninterrupted flow of international commerce.
Startime believes that the success achieved by previous editions confirms the importance of building specialized dialogue platforms that bring together international expertise, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote cooperation among military, governmental, industrial, and technological institutions, particularly in light of the increasing challenges facing the global maritime domain. This approach aligns with the company’s vision of developing high-impact national projects that support the Kingdom’s priorities, enhance national competitiveness, and create long-term economic and knowledge- based value.
Startime emphasized that organizing the fourth edition of the Saudi International Maritime Forum represents a continuation of its journey in developing high-level international business events and a new milestone in its mission to build specialized dialogue platforms dedicated to strategic priority issues. The event further reflects Startime’s commitment to supporting global maritime security, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing specialized knowledge in a manner that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision and aspirations for a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous future.
