The Saudi Media Forum in Qassim: The role of media in boosting regional economies
In a move reflecting the strategic direction to enhance the role of media in national development, the city of Buraidah in the Qassim region hosted the second meeting of the "Syrian Media Forum Light" initiative, in the presence of the Forum's Chairman, Professor Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi. The meeting, titled "Qassim Speaks: How Media Rediscovers the Countryside and the Local Economy," was organized jointly with Qassim University, highlighting the pivotal role of media in reshaping the economic landscape of the regions.
Media and the economy: A strategic partnership
During the meeting, Mohammed Al-Harthi emphasized that modern media has transcended its traditional role of simply reporting events, becoming a creator of meaning and a key partner in highlighting the comparative advantages of different regions. He pointed out that the selection of Al-Qassim for this program was not arbitrary, but rather stemmed from its economic and agricultural significance, and its rich cultural heritage that connects people to the land, making it an ideal model for discussing how to transform rural areas from mere geographical spaces into promising investment opportunities.
A developmental context that aligns with Vision 2030
This media initiative aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on developing regions and leveraging their unique strengths. Today, the media is called upon to play a "soft power" role, attracting investments and highlighting local success stories, thus contributing to strengthening the community economy and creating a stimulating environment for entrepreneurs. Participants in the session, including the Secretary-General of the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, Mohammed Al-Hanaya, discussed the necessity of integration between media institutions and economic sectors to build a sustainable development narrative.
The "Forum Light" initiative: A bridge for communication
The "Saudi Media Forum Light" initiative is one of the practical steps to expand the forum's influence beyond its central location, aiming to:
- Creating a vibrant community dialogue in various regions of the Kingdom.
- Engaging students and those interested in shaping the media landscape.
- Highlighting and addressing local issues from a professional media perspective.
The initiative had its first stop in Al-Ahsa Governorate, where it focused on documenting the memory of the place, and is now moving to Al-Qassim with an economic focus, which highlights the rich diversity in the forum’s themes.
Saudi Media Forum 2026
These preliminary meetings are part of the preparations for the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum , scheduled to be held in Riyadh in February 2026. The forum is the region's premier platform bringing together media leaders and decision-makers to discuss industry transformations, supported by impactful initiatives such as "Media Ambassadors" and media business accelerators, ensuring the Kingdom keeps pace with the latest communication technologies and artificial intelligence in a constantly evolving world.
