General Authority for Military Industries

What General Authority for Military Industries does

General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is a Saudi Arabian government regulatory authority established by Council of Ministers resolution in August 2017 and headquartered in Riyadh. Its mandate is to regulate, enable, and license Saudi Arabia's military industries sector in support of the Vision 2030 objective of localizing more than 50% of military equipment and services spending by 2030. GAMI's core product is the Unified Military Industries Portal (mi.gami.gov.sa), which delivers 12 electronic services covering establishment permits, military manufacturing and services licensing, export licensing, company capability assessment, military specifications, training, and human capital planning — available 24/7 to domestic and international applicants. As of 2024, localization reached 24.89% of military spending and local content 40.74%, with the sector contributing SAR 6.665 billion to GDP and SAR 4.255 billion to employment.

GAMI operates a government-to-government and licensing-led commercial model, charging non-refundable application/permit fees (Establishment Permits with 2-year validity; manufacturing, services, and export licenses with 3-year renewals) to roughly 70 licensed defense companies and a growing pipeline of 38+ national firms. The authority generates ecosystem value through strategic events, most notably the biennial World Defense Show founded and organized by GAMI under Royal Patronage — the 2024 edition generated SAR 26 billion in purchase contracts across 773 exhibitors and 106,000 visitors, and the February 2026 edition reached USD 8.8 billion in contracts with 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries and 137,000 visitors. Beyond the portal and WDS, GAMI runs the National Academy for Military Industries, the Military Industries Scholarship Program (MISP), the Excellence Award in Localizing Military Industries (launched 2025), and a careers portal.

The authority is wholly owned by the Government of Saudi Arabia, with the Minister of Defense (Khalid bin Salman) serving as Vice Chairman of the Board, and Governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali leading the organization. GAMI pursues strategic partnerships with major OEMs including GE Aerospace (Industrial Participation agreement, February 2026), Lockheed Martin (C-130 MRO localization), and Airbus Helicopters (helicopter MRO), alongside inter-ministerial cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, NIDLP, GADD, and academic partners KFUPM, KAUST, KACST, and King Abdulaziz University. The operating geography is primarily the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with international engagement channeled through overseas exhibitions and bilateral MoUs (e.g., Tawazun Economic Council UAE, Belarusian Military Industrialization Authority).

Name

General Authority for Military Industries

Legal name

General Authority for Military Industries

Website

https://gami.gov.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

GAMI is the Saudi government regulatory authority for military industries, licensing and enabling defense manufacturers and service providers to localize over 50% of military spending by 2030 through its Unified Military Industries Portal, the biennial World Defense Show, and strategic OEM partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Industry Regulation and Military Manufacturing Licensing

NAICS

International Affairs (92812), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Defense Acquisition, Procurement & Contracting (BPAIAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Trade, Import/Export Controls & Sanctions Regulators (BPAIAOAO)

Keywords

• Defense industry regulation
• Military licensing services
• Defense sector enablement
• Military manufacturing permits
• Defense exhibition platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Military Industry Licensing Fees: GAMI charges non-refundable financial fees for reviewing applications pursuant to issuing Establishment Permits (EP) and trade licenses for military manufacturing and services. The validity of EPs is 2 years, while other licenses are valid for 3 years and renewable.
2. Regulatory Services: As a government regulatory authority, GAMI generates revenue through regulatory services including permits, licenses, and compliance verification for the military industries sector.
3. Training and Development Services: GAMI provides training courses through the National Academy for Military Industries and human capital development programs for the sector.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

GAMI is Saudi Arabia's exclusive government regulatory authority for the military industries sector. It regulates, enables, and licenses military manufacturing, services, and supply chain activities through its Unified Military Industries Portal, issues establishment permits, manufacturing licenses, export licenses, and military specifications. The authority also operates the biennial World Defense Show exhibition and delivers human capital development through the National Academy for Military Industries. Its mandate is to localize over 50% of military spending by 2030.

Product overview

GAMI is a regulatory authority overseeing Saudi Arabia's military industries sector. Its product portfolio consists of a unified e-government services platform providing 12 digital services for licensing, permits, and industrial enablement; the biennial World Defense Show exhibition platform; an Excellence Award program for localization achievements; a careers recruitment portal; human capital development programs including a national academy and scholarship initiative; and data sharing and public information request services. The core offering is the Unified Military Industries Portal through which GAMI regulates, enables, and licenses the defense sector, supported by strategic events and workforce development programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Unified Military Industries Portal (المنصة الموحدة للصناعات العسكرية) Centralized e-government platform providing electronic services for the military industries sector, including licensing, permits, company capability assessments, and industrial enablement services for defense companies and investors seeking to operate in Saudi Arabia.
• Electronic Services Platform (12 services) Suite of 12 digital government services covering Basic Permits for Military Services, Company Capability File and Industry Relations, Enablement Service, Military Specification Purchase and Inquiry, Training Courses, Expert Competency Attraction, Human Capital Planning, Military Services Licensing, Export Military Product Licensing, and Military Manufacturing Permits and Licensing. Available 24/7 to licensed defense companies and applicants.
• World Defense Show (WDS) Biennial global defense and security exhibition founded by GAMI, showcasing capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and security domains. Provides a networking, partnership, and business opportunity platform for the world defense industry, held in Riyadh under royal patronage.
• National Academy for Military Industries Educational academy for developing human capital capabilities in the military industries sector, supporting workforce development, training, and localization objectives through structured learning programs.
• Military Industries Scholarship Program (MISP) Scholarship program for developing and qualifying personnel for the military industries sector, supporting human capital development and sector specialization through international and domestic academic pathways.
• Excellence Award in Localizing Military Industries Annual award recognizing military and security entities and companies for achievements in localizing military industries, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 goals of localizing over 50% of military spending.
• GAMI Careers Portal Recruitment platform for job opportunities at GAMI, featuring job listings by category, talent community registration, and career development information for prospective employees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 24.89% military spending localization achieved in 2024, targeting over 50% by 2030
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• GE AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2026GE Aerospace signed an Industrial Participation agreement and manufacturing MoU with GAMI to support Saudi Arabia's military industries localization objectives. The partnership aims to develop local manufacturing capabilities and technology transfer for aerospace defense products.
• Lockheed MartincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 July 2024Agreement to localize C-130 Hercules aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services through SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries, making Saudi Arabia one of 14 nations with approved C-130 service centers. Covers systems and structural modifications.
• Airbus HelicopterscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 July 2024Partnership with SAMI to localize helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities in Saudi Arabia, enhancing Saudi Arabia's aviation defense services independence.
• Tawazun Economic Council (UAE)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2021MoU signed at IDEX 2021 for defense industry cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UAE.
• Belarusian Military Industrialization AuthoritysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2021MoU for defense industry cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Belarus.
• Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 August 2020MoU to support human capabilities development through vocational training for military industries sector workforce.
• Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAMI partners with SAMI on multiple localization projects including SkyGuard UAV development and manufacturing, C-130 MRO services, and helicopter MRO localization with international partners.
• Ministry of Defense (Saudi Arabia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary government partner for military procurement and sector development; Vice Chairman of GAMI Board of Directors serves as Defense Minister, ensuring strategic alignment.
• Ministry of Investment (Saudi Arabia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint investment facilitation for international defense companies; Invest Saudi platform promotes military industry investment opportunities.
• General Authority for Defense Development (GADD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating entity for defense technology development and innovation support; co-organizer of Excellence Award in Localizing Military Industries.
• National Industrial Development & Logistics Program (NIDLP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for industrial development and logistics in support of military industry localization objectives.
• Ministry of Industry and Mineral ResourcesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting industrial localization and manufacturing capability development for military sector.
• King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for R&D support in military industries; under patronage of Energy Minister for defense sector human capital development.
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for advanced technology development in support of military industry innovation.
• King Abdulaziz UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner contributing to human capital development and research for defense sector.
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KACST)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for defense technology development and scientific capabilities.
• Expenditure & Projects Efficiency AuthoritysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Excellence Award in Localizing Military Industries; supports sector efficiency improvements.
• Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (M古城)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Excellence Award; supports local content development in defense procurement.
• Saudi Royal Guard CommandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecurity entity customer receiving regulated military industry products and services.
• Saudi Arabian National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecurity entity customer benefiting from localized military manufacturing capabilities.
• Presidency of State SecuritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecurity entity partner for defense industry products and localization initiatives.
• General Intelligence PresidencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntelligence entity engaged in defense sector development and technology acquisition.
• Economic Cities and Special Zones AuthoritysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for industrial development zones supporting military manufacturing facilities.
• INTRA Defense TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed company for developing, manufacturing, and localizing UAV systems in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAMI subsidiaries including Alsalam Aerospace Industries, Saudia Technic, Life Shield, Scopa Industries, AIC Steel, Saudi Leather Industries, Al-Esnad, KRMC participate in Saudi Pavilion at international exhibitions.
• National Company for Mechanical SystemsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational defense company participating in Saudi pavilion at international exhibitions.
• WAKEB Company for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous SystemsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI and autonomous systems company specializing in defense technology for military industries.
• Milestone Aviation ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation services company participating in defense industry events.
• Homat Al Watan CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational defense company participating in international defense exhibitions.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI): Saudi Arabia's national defense champion, partially regulated and licensed by GAMI. While not a regulator, SAMI operates the localized defense-manufacturing platform (C-130 MRO, SkyGuard UAVs, helicopter MRO) that GAMI enabled and continues to oversee.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA): U.S. Department of Defense agency that administers contracts and ensures compliance with defense acquisition regulations. Comparable in licensing/contract-administration role, though operating in a more mature and larger defense-procurement ecosystem than GAMI's domestic Saudi base.
• Direction générale de l'armement (DGA): France's defense procurement and technology agency, responsible for equipping the armed forces and supporting defense-industry exports. A larger, more established peer handling defense acquisition, R&D, and export promotion with a global OEM-support mandate analogous to GAMI's regulated licensing role.
• Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S): UK's defense procurement and support organization, an arm of the Ministry of Defence managing equipment procurement, supply-chain contracts, and through-life support. Functionally comparable to GAMI's role in governing defense contracting and licensing for national-security buyers.
• Government of India – Department of Defence Production: Indian Ministry of Defence body overseeing defense production, procurement policy, and industrial licensing — including offset and indigenization policies. A broadly comparable regulator of defense manufacturing and licensing, at significantly larger national scale.

Direct peers

• Tawazun Economic Council: UAE's equivalent defense industry regulator and enabler, also focused on licensing, localization, and defense procurement enablement. Closest functional peer to GAMI across mission, mandate structure, and Gulf-region defense-industrialization context — GAMI itself signed a cooperation MoU with Tawazun at IDEX 2021.
• Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA): South Korea's central defense procurement and acquisition authority, regulating military equipment procurement, contracting, and industrial development. Comparable to GAMI as a dedicated government body governing defense sector licensing and industrial participation.
• Belarusian State Authority for Military Industry (SAMI Belarus): Belarus's State Authority for Military Industry, regulator of the country's defense-industrial complex. Directly comparable to GAMI in mandate and scope (defense industry regulation and licensing); GAMI signed a cooperation MoU with this body, reflecting acknowledged peer status.

Regional players

• EDGE Group: UAE's national defense and technology conglomerate that consolidates 25+ defense entities under Tawazun-related government oversight. Similar to a regulated Saudi ecosystem that GAMI governs, EDGE offers a working example of how GAMI's licensee base could ultimately consolidate.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GAMI_KSA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpwwzlDMJNbN8RaPU5RQ2Vw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gami-ksa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about General Authority for Military Industries