Saudi Media Forum: A Global Platform Reshaping the Future of the Industry

Under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Riyadh is preparing to become the global media capital from February 2 to 4, 2026, with the launch of the new edition of the Saudi Media Forum and the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX). Which is more than just a conference, the Forum embodies the Kingdom's ambition to lead media transformation, serving as a unique, comprehensive platform where the visions of leaders, content creators, and technical experts from around the world converge to outline the future of the industry in the age of technology and artificial intelligence.

The Forum comes with direct support from the wise leadership, under the follow-up and guidance of His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary, who in turn extended his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continuous support of the national media sector. The Forum is also efficiently overseen by its Chairman, Mr. Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi. This patronage and leadership represent a qualitative incentive that makes the Forum a national project reflecting the Kingdom's advanced position as an international platform for foreseeing the future.

The Forum affirms its status as an indispensable global event through its impressive scale and diverse participation:

- It hosts over 250 local, regional, and international companies, attracting a wide audience of media decision-makers, technology, and innovation firms.

- Its speaker list features distinguished names from numerous countries, including Peru, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, India, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, ensuring a unique diversity of perspectives and expertise.

- The Forum will witness more than 100 specialized sessions and workshops, covering topics such as generative AI, extended reality, influencer diplomacy, trust in media, and digital transformation.

The Forum focuses on the core issues facing the industry, moving from theoretical discussion to providing practical solutions. Notable pillars include:

- AI & Digital Transformation: Exploring the potential of modern technologies in content production and discussing the opportunities and ethical challenges they present.

- Media & Economy: Sessions dedicated to discussing the role of media in attracting investments and leveraging digitization to enhance productive competitiveness.

- Exporting Local Content: The Forum introduces a new equation linking content to the economy, through sessions discussing the transformation of local stories into globally distributable media products and building a strong national media brand.

- FOMEX Exhibition: A technical exhibition accompanying the Forum showcases the latest solutions in broadcasting, production, and distribution, turning ideas into tangible experiences and strategic partnerships.

The Saudi Media Award ceremony is considered one of the most prominent accompanying events, celebrating creativity and excellence across various fields. The award aims to stimulate professional creativity and foster a healthy competitive environment.

- Diverse Categories: The award encompasses numerous fields such as Journalism (report, article, dialogue), Audio-Visual Content (talk shows, podcasts, AI-generated content), and Media Excellence Awards for the best media work for Founding Day, National Day, and Flag Day.

- Global Reach: The award is open for participation from within the Kingdom and abroad, reflecting the global dimension of the event and its endeavor to present a distinguished media model.

The Saudi Media Forum 2026 is not merely an annual event; it is a global knowledge hub and a strategic partnership platform that reflects the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the Kingdom under the umbrella of Vision 2030. By gathering this immense momentum of international expertise under one roof, the Forum lays the foundation for a new phase where Saudi media becomes a pillar of soft power and a messenger of culture, economy, and creativity to the world. Next February, Riyadh will indeed be the place where the future of media is discussed, and from it, ideas will launch to reshape our media industry with a modern spirit and a deep awareness of its challenges and opportunities.