Princess Reem: Data and statistics now shape Saudi media investment roadmaps

SPA

Riyadh, February 3, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Princess Reem bint Saif Al-Islam bin Saud, deputy vice president for strategy and empowerment at the General Authority of Media Regulation, highlighted the role of statistics and market data in shaping the media sector during a panel at the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum on Monday.

The session, titled “Media and Investment: A Partnership for Creating Value,” also included Alhassan Humaid Aldin, director general of the regional headquarters attraction program at the Ministry of Investment (Saudi Arabia), and Thani Al-Ahmad, director general for capacity building at Monsha'at.

Princess Reem pointed to the availability of a defined channel for obtaining accurate data on the Saudi media market across five sectors overseen by the regulator, including audiovisual media, publishing, advertising and gaming, describing reliable, integrated data as a key input for sector roadmaps.

She also referred to a survey conducted across a broad range of residents and citizens, indicating strong public interest in domestic issues alongside continued awareness of international developments, and summarised audience preferences as local, fast and honest.

Princess Reem cited the attraction of 20 foreign media companies during the past year across the regulator’s five sectors, and described the Saudi market as among the fastest-growing in the G20. She referred to projections for compound growth of 8.2% between 2024 and 2029, compared with a 3.7% global average, and put Saudi Arabia’s share of the Middle East media market at about 30%, alongside internet penetration above 99%.

Al-Ahmad outlined programs supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, including specialised training tracks linked to entrepreneurial media activity, advisory support during early commercialisation, and the “Tamooh” service for companies that have achieved 20% growth over the past three years in either revenue or headcount.

Humaid Aldin outlined support for SMEs seeking to enter the media sector, including early-stage feasibility work and strategic planning, and referred to investment-facing services and platforms designed to provide investors with information and support for market entry.