Saudi Arabia Launches 12 Media Initiatives at Saudi Media Forum 2026
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary on Monday announced the launch of 12 new media initiatives, including the Media Innovation Camp and the Virtual Broadcaster Program, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial ideas and transforming innovative media concepts into sustainable business models.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2026 in Riyadh. Held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the three-day forum has brought together more than 300 media leaders, experts, and decision-makers from over 20 countries across four continents under the theme “Media in a Shaping World.”
In his opening address, Al-Dossary unveiled a document outlining principles for the use of artificial intelligence in media, developed in partnership with the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to the responsible use of advanced technologies. He also announced the production of more than 30 documentaries and films this year under the “Treasures” initiative, aimed at showcasing Saudi Arabia’s heritage and future aspirations.
The minister stressed that safeguarding future generations requires building forward-looking media ecosystems, noting that royal patronage of the forum adds strategic depth and underscores media’s role in raising awareness and driving development. He said Saudi Vision 2030 has played a central role in reshaping the national media landscape into an integrated system rooted in values that guide decisions and policies.
Al-Dossary further revealed that more than 100 seats have been allocated under the Media Scholarship program this year to train Saudi talent at leading international universities. He also announced the launch of the “Saudipedia” translation track in five languages—English, French, Chinese, Russian, and German—to introduce the Kingdom’s history, heritage, and identity to global audiences.
The minister disclosed that more than 2,000 content creators and influencers from 90 countries will participate in the second edition of the “Impact Makers” forum in Qiddiya. He also announced the release of the second edition of the State of Media in the Kingdom report, alongside new investment opportunities in the sector, and noted that more than 250 local and international companies are participating in the creative edition of the Future of Media Exhibition, “Fomax.”
Al-Dossary added that the Saudi Press Agency has launched the Media Studies and Opinion Polls Center, while the Saudi Media Award received more than 500 submissions from 20 countries, marking a 200 percent increase in international participation. The forum features over 150 dialogue sessions involving media professionals, experts, academics, and specialists from within the Kingdom and abroad, focusing on key challenges and opportunities facing the media industry at local, regional, and international levels.
The forum holds added significance this year as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Saudi Vision 2030, which has driven a qualitative transformation of Saudi media and strengthened its influence on the global stage.
