KHALIDH RIZWAN
COLOMBO :The bustling capital of Saudi Arabia is set to become a global media hub once again, as the 5th edition of the Saudi Media Forum will take place from February 2 to 4, 2026, under the esteemed patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz.
Bringing together over 250 local, regional, and international media and tech companies, the high-profile event comes at a crucial time of transformation in the global media industry. From emerging technologies to content innovation, this landmark gathering promises to shape conversations and strategies around the future of media.
Themed “Media in a Shifting World,” the forum will spotlight trends in generative artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and digital content production. Organizers say this edition will feature more than 100 panel discussions and specialized workshops, alongside an interactive innovation zone showcasing the latest advancements in broadcasting and distribution.
Saudi Minister of Media, Salman Al-Dosari, highlighted the event’s growing international influence, describing it as a strategic platform that supports the Kingdom’s vision to develop a competitive, innovative media sector. “The forum enables Saudi narratives to be shared globally with professionalism and clarity,” he said, while expressing gratitude for the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose patronage continues to uplift and inspire the sector.
Mohammed Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and President of the Forum, emphasized that 2026’s edition will delve deep into the transformative potential of AI and XR in content creation, opening doors for international collaboration and supporting Saudi talent.
Now firmly established as a leading platform for global dialogue, professional development, and media innovation, the Saudi Media Forum continues to elevate the Kingdom’s global media presence, aligning with its broader ambitions under Vision 2030.
As the media landscape undergoes rapid changes, Riyadh is positioning itself not only as a regional player, but a global force shaping the future of communication and storytelling.
