The fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum concluded in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, under the theme "Media in a Changing World," achieving a historic milestone by entering the Guinness World Records. The forum set a new world record for the largest specialized media forum in terms of visitor numbers, attracting 65,603 attendees, reflecting its growing prominence as one of the most important media events regionally and internationally.
Historical context and strategic role in Vision 2030
Launched in 2019, the Saudi Media Forum has become a leading annual platform bringing together thought leaders, media professionals, and experts from around the world. The forum aims to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the media industry, anticipate its future, and foster dialogue on professional and ethical issues. This event aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to develop vital non-oil sectors, including media and culture, to enhance the Kingdom's soft power and solidify its position as a regional hub for innovation and creativity. With each edition, the forum reinforces its role as a bridge between Saudi media professionals and their international counterparts, contributing to the exchange of expertise and the development of local content.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The forum's significance lies not only in its panel discussions but also in its inclusion of the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), which this year featured over 250 international and local companies showcasing the latest technologies in content creation, from artificial intelligence to virtual production. This massive gathering has multifaceted impacts. Locally, it empowers young talent and supports entrepreneurs through initiatives like "Growth" and "Media Ambassadors." Regionally, it reinforces Riyadh's position as the capital of Arab media and sets new standards for specialized events. Internationally, the forum provides a clear picture of the transformation underway in the Saudi media landscape and opens up broad horizons for international partnerships and investments.
Closing ceremony and honoring the winners
The closing ceremony, held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, honored the winners of the Forum's awards across its various categories, which aim to stimulate creativity and excellence in media work. The Forum's Chairman, Mr. Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, delivered a speech thanking all participants and partners, emphasizing the Forum's commitment to becoming a sustainable, institutionalized organization through impactful initiatives. He explained that the participation of approximately 300 speakers from around the world enriched the discussions and transformed the event into an exceptional media festival.
List of Forum Award Winners
The winners in the various award categories were announced, and the results were as follows:
- Press report by: Khaled Al-Badr.
- Interview by: Abdulhadi Habtour.
- Academic research: Lama Al-Sahli.
- Social talk shows: “Rachid Show” from the Kingdom of Morocco.
- Podcasts and radio programs: Ministry of Culture on “Podcast 1949”.
- Best media work on National Day: The Tourism Development Fund for the work “What have you heard about Saudi Arabia?”.
- Best work on Founding Day: The Ministry of Defense for the film “Al-Awja”.
- Global Competitor Award: His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah.
- Newspaper column: Dr. Mohammed Al-Rumaihi.
- Best media work for Science Day: Vision 2030 account.
- Media Personality of the Year: The esteemed media figure, Dr. Hussein Najjar, in recognition of his distinguished career.
At the end of the ceremony, partners and sponsors were honored and commemorative photos were taken with the winners, concluding the fifth session of the forum with remarkable success, laying strong foundations for a more innovative and influential media future.
