The eyes of the Arab and international media are turning to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which is preparing to host the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2026 , scheduled to begin next Monday. This prominent event, themed "Media in a Changing World," underscores the Kingdom's leading role in shaping the regional media landscape. A select group of Arab information ministers will participate in an exceptional dialogue session addressing the pressing issues facing the sector.
High-level ministerial meeting
Among the forum's key events is a session titled "Media as a Force for Change: Challenges of Public Opinion and Shaping the Future Generation," featuring high-level participation including Syrian Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa, Jordanian Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Hussein Saad al-Momani, Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Muammar bin Mutahhar al-Iryani, and Palestinian Minister Ahmed Assaf, who also serves as the General Supervisor of Official Media. This strategic dialogue will be moderated by Saudi Shura Council member Fahd Al-Aqran, lending significant weight to the session's outcomes.
Riyadh... the capital of media decision-making
The convening of this edition in Riyadh is of paramount strategic importance, as the Saudi capital has transformed in recent years into a regional and international hub for the media industry, keeping pace with the Kingdom's comprehensive development goals. The Saudi Media Forum serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and unifying Arab perspectives on critical issues, particularly in light of the rapid geopolitical shifts occurring in the region. This makes Arab media coordination an urgent necessity for guiding public opinion and countering malicious campaigns.
Challenges of the digital age and artificial intelligence
The session, held at the Al-Ula Theatre, will explore the reality of media in the age of the digital revolution, where media is no longer merely a conduit for news but has become a shaper of events and a guide to public opinion. The focus will be on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence technologies and how to balance adopting modern technologies with maintaining professional credibility. The session will also discuss ways to combat "fake news," which has become a threat to societal security, and will propose strategies to strengthen trust between media institutions and the public.
Media as a tool of soft diplomacy
In the context of international influence, participating ministers will address the concept of "soft diplomacy" and the role of media in building bridges of dialogue between cultures. Media today is one of the most powerful tools of foreign policy, capable of fostering international understanding and correcting stereotypes. These discussions come at a time when the Arab world needs a measured and impactful media discourse that speaks to the West in its own language and safeguards the cultural identity of future generations.
It is worth noting that the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum brings together more than 300 speakers, including leading experts, academics, and media professionals from around the world, through more than 150 dialogue sessions and workshops, making it the largest event of its kind in the region to anticipate the future of the media industry.
