The General Secretariat of the Saudi Media Award, which emerged from the Saudi Media Forum, announced the selection of the prominent media figure and academic, Dr. Othman Mahmoud Al-Sini, as Secretary-General of the award for its 2026 session. This appointment comes as a culmination of a professional and academic career full of achievements, and reflects the award's commitment to selecting distinguished media figures to lead it towards greater excellence and influence in the local and regional media landscape.
Background of the award and its strategic objectives
The Saudi Media Award, launched in conjunction with the Saudi Media Forum, is one of the most prominent initiatives aimed at developing the media industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and raising its professional standards. The award seeks to honor creative and distinguished individuals across various media fields, from print and digital journalism to audiovisual production, and to encourage healthy competition that contributes to improving the quality of media content. It also aims to stimulate young talent and support innovation in the sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a vibrant and influential media sector that reflects the Kingdom's standing on the international stage.
A rich professional and academic career for Dr. Othman Al-Sini
Dr. Othman Al-Sini boasts a distinguished career that blends academic depth with extensive practical experience. He earned his bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Literature from King Abdulaziz University, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Educational Administration and Planning. He further specialized in his field, obtaining his master's degree in 1982 and his doctorate in 1990, both in Arabic Language, from Umm Al-Qura University. His career, spanning three decades, extended beyond academia, during which he held influential leadership positions in several Saudi media institutions, granting him a profound understanding of media operations and their challenges. In addition, he made significant cultural contributions, serving as Secretary of the Taif Literary Club. He has presented numerous research papers and participated in cultural and media events both locally and regionally, enriching the Arabic library with valuable publications, most notably his latest book, "A Biography of One Who Saw.".
The importance of the appointment and its expected impact
The appointment of Dr. Al-Sini to this position represents a significant addition to the award, as his dual academic and professional experience is expected to contribute to developing the award's judging criteria and operational mechanisms, ensuring they keep pace with the latest developments in the world of digital and traditional media. Dr. Al-Sini is expected to work on strengthening the award's position as a leading platform for celebrating media creativity in the region and encouraging the production of high-quality, innovative media content that addresses local and regional issues with professionalism and objectivity. This appointment comes at a time of rapid media transformation, placing upon the new Secretary-General the responsibility of guiding the award to serve as an incentive for media professionals to adapt to these changes and adopt global best practices.
