Under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, inaugurated today in Riyadh the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2024. The forum is being held this year under the theme “Media in a Changing World,” with broad participation including more than 300 media leaders and experts from more than 20 countries, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing position as an influential media center on the international stage.
General context: A strategic platform aligned with Vision 2030
The launch of the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum builds upon the successes achieved since its inception, establishing it as a leading dialogue platform that brings together media professionals and thought leaders from around the world. This event coincides with the major transformations underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and build a vibrant society. The media sector plays a pivotal role in realizing this vision by raising awareness, conveying an accurate picture of the country's developments, attracting investments, and enhancing the Kingdom's soft power regionally and internationally. The Forum serves as a key instrument for accelerating this transformation by discussing the latest global trends and localizing best practices within the Saudi media industry.
Quality initiatives to shape the future
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Media affirmed that the royal patronage of the forum lends it a broader dimension and deeper vision, emphasizing that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 has transformed the media from fragmented efforts into an integrated structure. Al-Dossari announced the launch of a package of 12 high-quality initiatives aimed at developing the media landscape, most notably:
- The Media Innovation Camp (Saudi MIB): In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), it focuses on the areas of augmented journalism and smart content.
- Document of Principles of Artificial Intelligence in Media: To establish the responsible use of modern technologies.
- Entrepreneurship support initiatives: such as the “Tamkeen” initiative to support entrepreneurial ideas, and the “Numu” initiative to transform ideas into sustainable business models.
- Media Scholarship Program: In partnership with the Ministry of Education, it provides 100 seats to train Saudi talents in the best international universities.
- “Saudipedia” Encyclopedia: Launching a translation project into five international languages to document the Kingdom’s history and achievements with credibility.
- The “Treasures” initiative: Launching more than 30 documentary and cinematic works this year to embody the Kingdom’s heritage and future.
The importance and expected impact of the forum
The forum's importance extends beyond its role as a platform for dialogue; its impact serves as a key driver of development in the sector. Locally, the announced initiatives contribute to building the capacity of national talent, stimulating innovation, and creating an attractive investment environment for startups and investors. Regionally and internationally, the forum solidifies Riyadh's position as a media capital in the region and opens new horizons for international cooperation and partnerships. Furthermore, hosting the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), with the participation of more than 250 international and local companies, enhances the exchange of expertise and the transfer of advanced technologies to the Saudi market, ensuring that Saudi media keeps pace with the latest global developments and contributes to conveying the Kingdom's cultural message to the world.
The Minister of Information concluded his speech by emphasizing that the true leader of influence is His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who addresses the world with a clear vision and tangible achievements, thus giving Saudi media a strong and influential message.
