Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the World Defense Show (WDS 2026), joins hosts Lucien Zeigler and Hanaa Almoaibed for an exclusive interview and conversation ahead of the upcoming event set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 8 to 12. Andrew shares insights into the unique aspects of WDS and gives us a behind the curtain look at one of the world's premiere defense and aerospace exhibitions and gatherings for the industry, and highlights how the event differentiates itself with live air displays and a focus on integration across various defense domains. The conversation delves into the logistical complexities of organizing such a large-scale event, including collaboration with government entities and the importance of stakeholder feedback. As the show approaches, the TWENTY30 talks with Andrew about the innovations and growth expected at this year's event, aiming to solidify WDS's position as a leading global defense exhibition.

Before the conversation with Andrew Pearcey, the hosts catch up as they kick off programming for the new year and highlight some formatting changes going forward as the show continues to grow in audience and engagement.

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

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📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

In this special episode of The TWENTY30 Presented by Bechtel Saudi Arabia, hosts Lucien and Hanaa dedicate the full episode to analyze the significance and future impact of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince to Washington as a new era in US-Saudi relations begins. This episode features three separate interviews from experts to break down the visit's meaning and to speak to a changing and enhanced relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

After a full recap of the visit and the various agreements and deals signed between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the hosts first welcome onto the show Dr. Mansour Almarzoqi, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Director of the Center for American Studies at Riyadh's Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies to talk about the visit within the context of the long history between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, and how Saudi Arabia, now emerging as a global "middle power" is of strategic and economic importance to the United States - which was recognized in the welcoming for HRH the Crown Prince.

Next, the hosts welcome on Saudi businessman Bader Alreziza, joining the show from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, to break down the reception and impact from the business community and speak to the existing and new opportunities that will emerge from the landmark meeting.

Then, the hosts speak to the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh (AMCHAM) and Partner at PWC, Darrell McGraw, on how Saudi Arabia is changing as a business and investment landscape, why the energy on the ground in Saudi Arabia is palpable and vibrant now, and how technology cooperation is the new big opportunity for the two countries to further grow their tight bilateral relationship.

After the three interviews, Lucien and Hanaa distill their conversations and provide their take on the new dynamic, business opportunities, and how enduring players in Saudi Arabia -- like U.S.-based Bechtel -- show a model for success in doing business in Saudi Arabia.

The TWENTY30 team is honored to collaborate with Bechtel, whose enduring projects built the Saudi Arabia of today, and whose work today building the Saudi Arabia of tomorrow makes the company an integral part of the Kingdom’s transformation and story of change, which is the subject of The TWENTY30 media channels.

Bechtel’s partnership with the TWENTY30 on this episode reflects the company’s over 8 decades of building infrastructure, major projects, transportation systems, mining and minerals, energy and renewable energy, ports, and giga-projects in Saudi Arabia, proving itself time and again not only as the go-to partner for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision, but also a steady partner for Saudi Arabia dedicated to the Kingdom’s enduring national prosperity. To learn more about Bechtel’s work in Saudi Arabia, go to https://www.bechtel.com/regions/middle-east/.

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

https://thetwenty30.com

📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

In Episode 64, hosts Hanaa and Lucien kick off by catching up on more travel and some interesting feedback they received. Then Hanaa leads a DEEPDIVE on how Saudi Arabia is building a national skills ecosystem to reshape its economy and elevate its global influence - and leaning on the power of cultural storytelling as it transforms itself. That's a facet of Vision 2030 that isn't headline-grabbing and is a patient build over time, but starting to pay off for the Kingdom. Skills are no longer just a workforce issue; they are a strategic asset - one Saudi Arabia is seeking to leverage to and through 2030.

The hosts then get into some interesting news emerging from the Kingdom, including Saudi Arabia's ambitious infrastructure projects, a coffee-driven IPO boom, and leadership changes.

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

https://thetwenty30.com

📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.