Riyadh | BETH
January 8, 2026

The fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum will take place from February 2 to 4, 2026, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with exceptional international participation featuring more than 300 prominent media leaders and decision-makers from around the world, across a program comprising over 100 specialized dialogue sessions.

The forum serves as a central platform for exploring the future of media in a rapidly transforming world, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s dynamic cultural and developmental landscape and its openness to global voices and experiences.

High-Level International Participation

The forum brings together leading global media figures and decision-makers, including representatives from major international institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Canada, and South Korea, underscoring the forum’s growing international stature and influence.

Key Issues Shaping the Media Industry

Forum sessions will address strategic topics shaping the future of the media industry, including:

The role of media alliances in shaping global public opinion.

The intersection of political analysis and public diplomacy in framing narratives about the region.

Strategies for combating misinformation and enhancing digital verification tools.

Growth strategies in an increasingly competitive media market.

The evolving relationship between traditional television and streaming platforms.

Media investment as an economic driver aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

The discussions also highlight media’s role as a soft power instrument and explore opportunities to build a sustainable, innovation-driven media economy.

Launch of “Boulevard 2030”

For the first time, the forum will launch “Boulevard 2030”, a dedicated space adjacent to the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), showcasing the achievements of Saudi Vision 2030 and highlighting major national projects, including Diriyah Gate, AlUla, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.

Expanded Saudi Media Awards

The forum will also witness a significant expansion of the Saudi Media Awards, covering four main tracks and 14 categories, with the introduction of a groundbreaking category for AI-generated content—the first global media award of its kind—reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in integrating artificial intelligence into creative industries.

Future-Oriented Initiatives

The Saudi Media Forum has launched a suite of specialized initiatives, including:

Saudi MIB (Media Innovation Bootcamp), focusing on AI, data analytics, and digital media production.

SMF GROW UP, supporting media startups and entrepreneurs.

Brainstorm Room, a creative space bringing together young talents and experts to generate media ideas.

SMF Connect, the forum’s international arm fostering global collaboration.

Forum Spotlight, transforming the forum into a year-round national media movement.

Media Ambassadors, engaging university media students and preparing them for early professional exposure.

FOMEX: A Platform for the Future of Media

The Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX) stands as a cornerstone of the forum, bringing together government entities and leading local and international media and technology companies. The exhibition highlights the latest innovations in broadcasting, digital media, and content creation, while offering dedicated spaces for product launches and strategic partnerships.

A Saudi Platform with a Global Vision

The Saudi Media Forum reaffirms its position as a leading platform for media dialogue, capacity building, innovation, and international cooperation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional and global hub for media development and a laboratory for the ideas shaping the future of the industry.