The Saudi Media Forum 2026 kicks off in Riyadh under the patronage of the King
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the world's attention and that of content creators will turn to Riyadh next Monday, as the capital prepares to host the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2026. The event will take place from February 2nd to 4th, 2026, under the theme "Media in a Changing World," reflecting the rapid developments taking place in the global media landscape.
Strategic importance and exceptional timing
This edition gains added significance as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the launch of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This timing is not merely coincidental, but rather underscores the radical transformation the Saudi media sector has undergone, moving from a stage of traditional reception and transmission to one of creating influence and leading the regional landscape. The forum serves as a vital platform to assess a decade of media achievements that have kept pace with the Kingdom's major economic and social transformations, further solidifying Riyadh's position as an international media hub and the capital of Arab media decision-making.
A rich agenda and a global presence
The forum is witnessing significant momentum with the participation of over 300 leading media professionals, experts, and academics from around the world. The agenda includes more than 150 panel discussions and workshops, aimed at:
- Discussing the challenges of artificial intelligence and its impact on newsrooms and the content industry.
- Exploring ways to restore trust in the media amid a flood of misinformation.
- Exploring investment opportunities in the media and communications sector.
The Minister of Information, Professor Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, affirmed that this royal patronage embodies the leadership’s belief that the media is a strategic partner in development and a soft power that reflects the Kingdom’s civilized image to the world.
Boulevard 2030... A Window to the Future
In a significant development for the forum, the Chairman of the Saudi Media Forum, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, announced the creation of the "Boulevard 2030" zone within the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), held alongside the forum. This zone will serve as a dynamic bridge connecting forum visitors to the reality of the mega-projects shaping Saudi Arabia's new landscape. It will showcase success stories and progress in major projects such as NEOM, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya. This integration of media and development projects aims to provide a detailed visual and informational narrative of achievements, offering international media professionals a firsthand look at the scale of positive change on the ground.
This event confirms that Riyadh is no longer content with merely hosting events, but has become the one that creates the news and determines the future paths of the media industry in the region, benefiting from its advanced digital infrastructure and its young national cadres.
