The first day of the Saudi Media Forum 2026, held in Riyadh, witnessed a remarkable momentum in attendance and participation, reflecting the advanced position the forum has become as a regional and international platform that brings together decision makers, experts, academics and practitioners to discuss the future of media in light of accelerated digital and technological transformations.
The first day of the Saudi Media Forum 2026, held in the city of Riyadh, witnessed a remarkable momentum in attendance and participation.
Media as a soft power for change and public opinion
<The Saudi Media Forum SMF kicked off with a high-level ministerial session titled «Media as a Force for Change: The Challenges of Public Opinion and Shaping the Future Generation», which discussed the growing role of media in shaping societal awareness and managing public opinion: The Challenges of Public Opinion and Creating the Future Generation,« which discussed the growing role of media in shaping societal awareness and managing public opinion. Participants emphasized that the media is no longer a mere transmitter of events, but has become part of an integrated system of ideas and communication that cumulatively affects public attitudes and decision-making. The speakers stressed that the speed of information flow imposes a double responsibility on media organizations to ensure accuracy and objectivity, and to move from reporting the news to interpreting it, while maintaining credibility as the cornerstone of building trust, as well as employing artificial intelligence and modern technologies without compromising professional values.
Media and Investment. Data drives growth
Data drives growth
In the session »Media and Investment. Her Royal Highness Princess Reem bint Saif Al Islam bin Saud emphasized the importance of statistics and accurate data in drawing a roadmap for the media sector. She pointed to the availability of a unified channel to obtain media market data in its various sectors, which contributes to making decisions based on reliable information. The session highlighted the attractiveness of the Saudi market, which accounts for about 30% of the media market in the Middle East, with expectations of accelerated growth in the coming years, supported by high internet penetration and advanced digital infrastructure. Participants also reviewed incentives and initiatives to attract foreign investments, support entrepreneurs and SMEs, and promote knowledge transfer and localization.
Local Media Facing the Challenges of Digital Platforms
<The session «Local media in the field of digital communication» discussed the reality of local journalism in the digital environment and the challenges posed by the increasing competition of social media platforms. Participants emphasized that economic pressures do not justify abandoning journalistic values, stressing that media is a message and a national responsibility before it is a commercial product. The session also touched on the importance of developing digital communication tools, building a balanced relationship between media organizations and the public, and enhancing the speed of response without compromising accuracy and professionalism, which contributes to establishing trust and the presence of local media in the digital space.
From Education to Influence. Creating Media Leaders
From Education to Influence
<In the session «Creating Media Leaders: From the corridors of universities to global organizational influence», speakers addressed the reality of media education and its role in preparing leaders capable of influencing locally and globally. They emphasized the need to move beyond focusing on technical skills only, and move to develop strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, decision-making skills and critical thinking. They stressed the importance of integrating academic education and practical training, and building real partnerships with labor market institutions, allowing students to have realistic professional experiences that qualify them to face the challenges of the changing media sector.
Tourism Media. Narrating identity and creating experience Tourism Media
<The session «Tourism Media Industry: Strategies and Trends» addressed the role of media in strengthening the national identity and raising the competitiveness of Saudi tourist destinations. Participants emphasized the importance of visual content and storytelling in conveying the tourism experience, highlighting cultural diversity and hospitality values, which contributes to reshaping the mental image of the Kingdom globally, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Participants emphasized the importance of visual content and storytelling in conveying the tourism experience.
When Media Leads Major Transformations 21st Century Media. Between speed and credibility
<At the Leaders Theater, the session «Are We 21st Century Media?» raised questions about the readiness of media professionals for the requirements of the age, emphasizing the combination of speed and accuracy, developing soft skills, and employing It emphasized combining speed and accuracy, developing soft skills, employing artificial intelligence consciously and responsibly, as well as promoting critical thinking and cultural openness. At the Leaders Theater, the "Are We 21st Century Media?" session raised questions about the readiness of media professionals for the requirements of the times.
Media Technologies and Artificial Intelligence. Impact Map Map of Influence
Wide turnout confirms the status of the forum
Reflecting the high turnout, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 recorded high registration rates, reinforcing its status as a global platform that brings together media leaders, experts and practitioners, and contributes to consolidating the Kingdom's role as a regional and international media center and a key supporter of developing a modern and influential media sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
