The Saudi Ministry of Media successfully concluded its participation in the “Saudi Media Forum 2026,” held under the theme “Media in a Changing World,” through its innovative interactive space, “Media Bridge.” The initiative, which ran for three days from February 2nd to 4th at Boulevard 2030, witnessed a large turnout of over 5,000 visitors, including more than 1,145 local and international media professionals, as well as university students and those interested in the media industry.
Background and importance of the Saudi Media Forum
The Saudi Media Forum, which launched its first edition in 2019, is one of the most prominent media events in the region. The forum aims to create a global dialogue platform that brings together thought leaders, media professionals, and experts to discuss current challenges and envision the future of the sector. Its significance stems from the major transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, which places particular emphasis on developing the culture, media, and entertainment sectors and strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading regional media hub. The forum strives to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and digital media, and their impact on content creation and professional ethics.
"Media Bridge": An immersive experience in the world of media
The “Media Bridge” space served as a vibrant, interactive platform, offering visitors a unique experience that showcased the transformation of ideas into practical applications and media messages into tangible impact. Through more than 452 guided tours, the initiative successfully highlighted the rapid development of the national media landscape. The space was designed to offer a comprehensive journey across four key pillars:
1. Knowledge Bridge
This corner offered a comprehensive learning experience through specialized workshops presented by a select group of experts. Among the highlights were the workshop "How to Shine on Stage?" presented by media personality Fatima Fahad, and the workshop "Your Digital Account as a Media Tool," led by Malik Al-Ruqi, Director General of the Cultural Channel. These workshops aimed to refine the participants' skills and equip them with the latest tools and concepts in the media field.
2. Ask the media
This corner provided a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue, with over 510 visitors benefiting from specialized media consultations offered by 11 experts and leaders in the fields of media and communication from the Ministry of Information. These sessions helped answer inquiries from interested individuals and practitioners and provided practical insights into their career paths.
3. On air
This section offered a realistic simulation of the media work environment, allowing visitors to experience performing various media roles such as news anchor, podcast host, and spokesperson. The space recorded over 2,100 minutes of broadcasting, giving participants a deeper understanding of the workings behind the scenes and in front of the cameras.
4. Saudipedia
This corner focused on national knowledge, offering visitors an interactive experience to test their understanding of the Kingdom through content from the "Saudipedia" platform. Through questions and short quizzes, visitors were able to explore diverse aspects of Saudi culture, history, and achievements in an engaging and innovative way.
Local and international impact of the initiative
The Ministry of Media's participation in this unique initiative aims to enhance the interactive presence of media and strengthen communication between media institutions and the public. Attracting students from more than five Saudi universities reflects the Ministry's commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the job market. Regionally and internationally, the "Media Bridge" initiative sends a clear message about the advanced state of the Kingdom's media infrastructure and its ability to adopt cutting-edge technologies and deliver innovative content, thus enriching the overall media experience and enhancing the Kingdom's appeal as a destination for major media events.
