1st Saudi International Maritime Forum

Under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister (then Minister of Defense), the Royal Saudi Naval Forces organized the inaugural edition of the Saudi International Maritime Forum, held from November 24 to 26, 2019, in Riyadh. The event was exclusively managed by Startime, the company awarded the organizing rights.

The forum was held under the theme “The Importance of Securing Strategic Maritime Passages,” and brought together a distinguished group of military leaders, international experts, and maritime decision-makers, along with leading national and global companies specializing in maritime security technologies. The event featured a scientific conference that addressed six key topics, including international cooperation and maritime information exchange, cybersecurity in the maritime domain, combating maritime crime, strategic maritime mapping and navigation, border guard operations, and the Corvette Ship Program between Saudi Arabia and Spain. In parallel, the forum hosted an exhibition that showcased the latest maritime equipment, systems, and technologies, with wide participation from both governmental and private sectors.

The forum achieved significant success, serving as a strategic platform for exchanging perspectives on the challenges of securing maritime passages. It contributed to strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure the safety and freedom of maritime navigation. Participants emphasized that more than 90% of global trade is conducted through maritime routes, highlighting the urgent need to protect these vital corridors in light of growing global challenges.