The “Fomix” exhibition, held as part of the Saudi Media Forum 2024, showcased exceptional cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of media. Ultra-high-definition digital screens and advanced archiving solutions emerged as essential tools not only for broadcasting events but also for preserving and reviving national memory in the language of the digital age. The exhibition embodied a profound transformation in the Saudi media landscape, shifting it from a mere conduit for information to an integrated system dedicated to content creation, development, and preservation for future generations.
General context: The Saudi Media Forum as a platform for transformation
The Saudi Media Forum, whose third edition was held in February 2024, comes amidst the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The forum was established as a leading platform that brings together thought leaders, media professionals, and experts from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing media sector. The “Foumex” (Future of Media) exhibition is the forum’s technology arm, showcasing the latest innovations and technological solutions driving industry development, from production and broadcasting to distribution and digital archiving.
Advanced technologies for preserving media heritage
While browsing the booths of local and international companies participating in Fomex, a strong focus on audio-visual content digitization technologies was evident. Integrated solutions for restoring old media materials, whether films, photographs, or historical audio recordings, and converting them into high-quality digital content were showcased. These technologies included ultra-high-definition film scanning (4K and 8K), advanced color processing, and the restoration of damaged archival materials using artificial intelligence. In addition, smart indexing solutions and digital asset management systems that facilitate access to archival content and its efficient reuse in contemporary productions were prominently featured.
Importance and expected impact
At the local level, this approach is of strategic importance, as it not only contributes to protecting the Kingdom's cultural and media heritage from damage and loss, but also strengthens national identity by making this legacy accessible to researchers, creators, and the general public. Regionally and internationally, hosting an event of the magnitude of the Saudi Media Forum and the FOMEX exhibition solidifies Riyadh's position as the media capital of the Middle East and attracts global investments and partnerships. Furthermore, adopting these advanced technologies places Saudi media institutions on par with their global counterparts and enhances their ability to produce content that competes internationally. This focus on preserving media heritage underscores that building a modern and influential media cannot be achieved in isolation from appreciating the legacy upon which it was founded, but rather by building upon it and employing technology to ensure its sustainability and future impact.
