In a move reflecting the trend towards enhancing professional and academic standards in the media sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Media Forum , represented by the General Secretariat of the Award, announced the selection of Dr. Othman Mahmoud Al-Sini as Secretary-General of the Saudi Media Award for its 2026 edition. This selection comes in recognition of his long and distinguished career, which combined academic rigor with the highest levels of field journalistic practice.
A distinguished career spanning academia and journalism
Dr. Othman Al-Sini possesses a solid academic background, having earned a bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Literature from King Abdulaziz University, further enhanced by a postgraduate diploma in Educational Administration and Planning from the same university's Faculty of Education. His scholarly pursuits did not end there; he continued his graduate studies at Umm Al-Qura University, where he obtained a master's degree in Arabic Language in 1982, culminating his academic journey with a doctorate in 1990.
On a professional level, Al-Sini boasts three decades of experience, during which he held prominent leadership positions in Saudi journalism. He was known for his innovative vision during his tenure as editor-in-chief of the Makkah newspaper, as well as Al-Watan newspaper and Al-Majalla magazine. He also served as secretary of the Taif Literary Club, adding a cultural and literary depth to his media experience. These experiences culminated recently in the publication of his book, "A Biography of One Who Saw," which documents aspects of his rich career.
The importance of the award and the implications of the appointment
The appointment of a figure of the stature of the Chinese doctor is of particular importance in light of the major transformations taking place in the media sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the objectives of Vision 2030. The Saudi Media Award is not just a passing honor, but rather a strategic tool to raise the quality of media content, stimulate national talents, and enhance professional competitiveness.
This appointment is expected to contribute to the development of the judging criteria and award categories, leveraging the Chinese national's field experience in understanding the challenges of the modern media industry and his academic background in establishing methodological standards. This combination ensures the award's high credibility and prestigious standing not only locally, but also regionally and internationally, further solidifying Riyadh's role as a leading media capital in the Middle East.
The selection of a prominent media and cultural figure to lead the award's secretariat gives a clear indication that the next edition in 2026 will witness a qualitative shift in the evaluation mechanisms and the quality of participating works, keeping pace with the rapid technological developments in the world of digital and traditional media alike.
