The halls of the “Fomix” exhibition, held alongside the Saudi Media Forum 2026, witnessed unprecedented technological activity, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and ultra-high-definition digital screens that reshaped older content using contemporary language. This spectacle was not merely a display of capabilities, but rather indicative of the profound transformation underway in the Saudi media sector. It is evolving from simply reporting daily events to becoming a comprehensive and integrated system dedicated to preserving national memory, developing content, and building a sustainable media future.
A technological revolution in archiving
Wandering through the pavilions of local and international companies participating in the exhibition, visitors can witness the advanced technological developments harnessed to restore old images and historical scenes. Innovative solutions for digitizing audio-visual content and restoring old media materials, both physically and digitally, were showcased, including films, photographs, and historical audio recordings. These processes aim to transform media heritage into high-quality digital content, suitable for long-term preservation according to the highest international technical standards, thus ensuring its survival for future generations.
Strategic context and importance of the event
These advanced steps come within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on the media, entertainment, and culture sectors. The Kingdom possesses a vast media heritage spanning decades, documenting its founding, development, and renaissance. Archiving and digitizing this immense collection is a pressing necessity, not only for preservation but also for strengthening national identity and connecting new generations with their history through modern media that resonate with their digital language. Platforms like "Fomex" provide a fertile environment for exchanging expertise between international companies specializing in digital archiving and Saudi media institutions.
Smart solutions for managing digital assets
The exhibition showcased specialized technologies in high-definition film scanning, color processing, and the restoration of archival materials using artificial intelligence, along with advanced solutions in smart indexing and digital asset management (DAM). These technological systems not only preserve content but also facilitate access to it and enable its efficient and flexible reuse in contemporary media production, opening new horizons for the production of documentaries and historical programs in 4K and beyond.
Economic and legal dimensions
Among the technological solutions presented that garnered significant attention were integrated mechanisms for preserving audiovisual heritage and providing secure physical and digital storage. The economic and legal aspects were also highlighted through tools for inventorying and optimizing media collections, as well as legal audits related to intellectual property and copyright. This approach enhances the sustainability of media content and preserves its professional and historical value, transforming archives from mere repositories of old materials into valuable investment assets.
This advanced technological presence underscores the Kingdom's media sector's commitment to preserving its media heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and a fundamental element in building a modern, technology- and knowledge-based media landscape. Keeping pace with rapid digital transformations while preserving media heritage reflects an awareness of the importance of adopting and utilizing modern tools to create sustainable content capable of shaping a more professional and influential media future, both regionally and internationally.
