Saudi Media Forum 2026 opens in Riyadh, minister unveils 12 initiatives

SPA

Riyadh, February 2, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Salman Al-Dossary inaugurated the fifth edition of Saudi Media Forum 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, held under the theme “Media In an Evolving World.”

The forum is being held with more than 300 media leaders and experts from over 20 countries, and includes more than 150 specialized dialogue sessions addressing the intersection of media with politics, the economy, culture, technology and innovation.

The event is accompanied by the creative edition of the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), with participation from more than 250 local and international companies.

During the opening, Al-Dossary announced the launch of 12 flagship initiatives, including the Saudi Media Innovation Bootcamp, focused on augmented journalism, intelligent content creation and virtual presenters, in partnership with Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). He also referenced the Tamkeen Initiative to support entrepreneurial ideas and startups, and the Numo Initiative, launched in partnership with the Kafalah Program, aimed at transforming media ideas into sustainable business models.

Al-Dossary also announced the issuance of the Artificial Intelligence Principles in Media document, developed in partnership with SDAIA, to support responsible use of modern technologies.

He 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.

The forum also features the second edition of the State of Media in the Kingdom and Investment Opportunities Report, issued by the General Authority of Media Regulation.

Al-Dossary announced the launch by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) of the Media Studies and Opinion Polls Center to collect and analyze data and support media policy development.

He 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. The award received more than 500 nominated works from over 20 countries, with international participation rising by more than 200%, according to the forum program.

In concluding remarks, Al-Dossary praised His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and reiterated his welcome to participants.

The first day included dialogue sessions across four main theaters and the launch of FOMEX, including exhibitor pavilions, a Launch Zone for product and technology showcases, and a dedicated theater hosting discussion sessions, workshops, and partnership activity.