The Gulf Defence Industry Initiative (GDII) is an independent research consultancy and think tank focused on defence, security and space in the Middle East and North Africa.
We publish research, introduce stakeholders and run events across the Gulf. We work with governments, defence companies, military professionals and academics across the region, Five Eyes countries and Europe.
Our research examines issues that wider analysis often overlooks. We cover military capability, procurement and the development of local defence industries, with a focus on how countries are building greater self-reliance and choosing long-term technology partners.
Through our events and introductions, we bring people together to exchange knowledge, understand each other’s priorities and explore practical opportunities for cooperation.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | World Defense Show 2025
Ahead of World Defense Show, GDII convened senior defence and security officials, industry leaders and international experts at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, for a closed-door discussion on choosing defence technology partners for long-term autonomy.
The discussion examined defence-industrial partnerships, resilience, cyber security and the implications of technology choices for sovereign capability across the Gulf.
GDII Admin 02/03/2026
Major General Sayed Ghoneim (Retd.) 07/10/2025
Lt Col. Abdullah AM (Retd.) 01/08/2025
