Under Patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Media Minister Opens Fifth Saudi Media Forum

Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary today inaugurated the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Riyadh, under the theme “Media In an Evolving World.”

In his address, the minister affirmed that the royal patronage of the forum by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is a badge of pride and honor for media professionals, as it grants the forum broader dimensions and a deeper vision and views media as a tool for awareness and a means of development, under this generous royal patronage.

The Saudi Media Forum is being held with the participation of more than 300 media leaders and experts from over 20 countries, through more than 150 specialized dialogue sessions discussing the intersection of media with politics, economy, culture, technology, and innovation, with the attendance of international and regional think tanks, reflecting the Kingdom’s leadership in the media industry. The forum is accompanied by the creative edition of the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), with the participation of more than 250 local and international companies.

The minister stressed the inevitable responsibility of media toward younger generations, noting that protecting future generations in the digital age is not achieved through prohibition or isolation, but through creating aware media environments governed by ethics and values that preserve psychological and cognitive balance and present content as a tool for building awareness rather than a commodity for consumption. He noted that the objective of safeguarding children is to prepare them to interact with the world with confidence without losing their identity or moral compass.

He announced the launch of 12 flagship initiatives at the forum, most notably the Saudi Media Innovation Bootcamp (Saudi MIB) in the fields of augmented journalism, intelligent content creation, and virtual presenters, in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), along with other initiatives such as the Tamkeen Initiative to support entrepreneurial ideas and startups, and the Numo Initiative in partnership with the Kafalah Program, to transform media ideas into sustainable business models.

He also announced the issuance of the Artificial Intelligence Principles in Media document in partnership with SDAIA, to entrench the principle of responsible use of modern technologies and open the door to advanced stages of activation, support, and empowerment.

The minister further announced the hosting of more than 2,000 content creators and influencers from over 90 countries within the Influence Track, as part of the second edition of “The ImpaQ Impact Makers Forum” in Qiddiya City, where an exceptional experience will be delivered in partnership with creatively managed sessions.

He noted that media stands out as a key driver of the economy, expressing his pleasure at the participation in the forum of the second edition of the State of Media in the Kingdom and Investment Opportunities Report, issued by the General Authority of Media Regulation, to serve as an analytical reference reflecting sector activity through figures and data and providing an in-depth reading of investment opportunities, as investment is driven by data rather than expectations.

He announced the launch by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) of the Media Studies and Opinion Polls Center to serve as a reliable reference for collecting and analyzing data and to support the development of media policies on solid scientific foundations.

The minister congratulated the winners of the Saudi Media Award 2026, held in partnership with the Human Capability Development Program across four main tracks and 16 categories, noting that the award received more than 500 nominated works from over 20 countries, with international participation growing by more than 200%.

He concluded by emphasizing that Riyadh is the capital of influence and that Saudi media begins with people and extends its impact to the world, noting that all human and natural resources, regardless of their magnitude, cannot create impact on their own but flourish under a leader who gives them meaning and creates impact within them. He stressed that the greatest source of pride for every Saudi man and woman is the leader of influence His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose impact on the global scene today is not merely political but represents a major media message and a spirit of peace, compassion, and confidence in humanity, addressing the world with a message of values, clarity of vision, diligent work, tangible achievements, and service to humanity everywhere.

He renewed his welcome to forum attendees as influential partners who contribute ideas, participate in dialogue, and enjoy a distinctive media forum designed to inspire and influence.

The first day of the forum witnessed several diverse dialogue sessions across four main theaters: AlUla Theater, Investment Theater, Leaders Theater, and Inspiration Theater.

The first day also saw the launch of FOMEX, which includes exhibitor pavilions attracting government entities and local and international private companies to showcase their contributions and products in media, radio, and television, as well as a platform that allows exhibitors to present their services and innovations to visitors. The exhibition includes the Launch Zone, a dedicated space where companies can showcase their latest media innovations and technologies and conclude strategic partnerships that help develop the future media ecosystem.

The FOMEX Theater presents comprehensive insights into the media sector through discussion sessions, dialogues, and workshops featuring leading local and international speakers, while also providing opportunities to sign cooperation agreements and partnerships.