Riyadh: The Arab Capital of Media, with Over 2000 Participants Attending For 3 Days

The third edition of the Saudi Media Forum was held in Riyadh, the capital of Arab media, with the participation of over 2000 attendees from around the world for three days (19-21 February).

This edition focused on showcasing innovations and modern technologies in the media field, with a particular emphasis on the impact of artificial intelligence on this field. The forum discussed the rapid developments in Saudi Arabia, providing a significant opportunity to explore the latest trends, media practices, capacity building, and discovering the newest innovations and technologies in the media field. It has become an annual media focal point for Arab media professionals from various parts of the Arab world.

The forum covered many contemporary topics through 60 panel discussions, with more than 150 speakers from media industry leaders, specialists, and practitioners, discussing 80 themes on the various forms of media, including visual, auditory, printed, and digital. It provided an opportunity to showcase both local and international experiences. It is widely acknowledged that the Saudi media experience is pioneering globally, with Saudis leading in forward-thinking ideas, making Riyadh today the Arab capital of media.

In an interview with "Sabq" newspaper, Hani Wafa, the editor-in-chief of "Al Riyadh" newspaper, emphasized the increasing importance of media day by day due to its capabilities to influence individuals and societies in shaping visions, ideas, and trends. He pointed out that the forum is convening at a time when Saudi media is witnessing qualitative leaps that are contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development journey we are experiencing and envisioning in the future. Meanwhile, Ali Al-Hazmi, the editor-in-chief of "Sabq" electronic newspaper, noted that the Saudi Media Forum has been associated with the challenges of "media in a changing world." Nabil Al-Khatib, the general manager of Bloomberg East, added that the Saudi Media Forum is the most important hub and represents the biggest challenge in the media industry, highlighting that the forum brings together prominent leaders and professionals in the media scene to discuss the latest challenges.

This edition of the forum was distinguished by organizing the largest artistic, technical, and media exhibition in the Middle East, the Future of Media Exhibition "FOMEX" under the theme "Future of Media", showcasing modern experiences in the media industry, the evolution of television and radio content in the era of social media platforms, and the rapid pace of media transformations through the involvement of leading companies and experiences in global production. Its goal was to present the successive and rapid developments in various media sectors that significantly contribute to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

I was happy to discuss with the participants the importance of Science Journalism and highlighting the role of media in raising awareness. Still, I was also delighted to closely explore the experience of "Shahid " platform developed by MBC Group, considered the first Arab platform to legally showcase Arabic series and produce exclusive content, whether series or special interviews. I also enjoyed getting acquainted with the "Nabd " experience, the first free application that provides you with the latest news from your selected sources, including local, international, and political news.

Pioneers and innovators from various corners of the media arena gathered to compete in the creativity square for the Saudi Media Forum Award, which honored the creators of this sector as an appreciation for their passion and unique vision translated into innovative and appealing ways that influence the audience. The curtain was drawn on this edition of the forum by honoring a number of creative journalists.

"We have a story worth telling, and the doors are open to everyone," said Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, the head of the Radio and Television Authority, in his closing speech. This third edition of the forum continues to underscore the importance of this media gathering on the map of global media makers and as a continuation of the successes achieved in its previous editions, aiming to create numerous investment opportunities and exchange experiences on various fronts.

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