In a move reflecting the strategic direction towards enhancing media presence across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 , in the presence of its Chairman, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, launched the second meeting of its "Saudi Media Forum Light" initiative in the city of Buraidah in the Qassim region. The meeting, titled "Qassim Speaks: How Media Rediscovers the Countryside and the Local Economy," was held in strategic partnership with Qassim University, represented by its Department of Media and Communication.
Al-Qassim: A model of integration between people and place
The selection of the Qassim region as the starting point for this initiative was not accidental, but rather based on its distinguished geographical and economic position at the heart of the Kingdom. Al-Harthi emphasized that Qassim possesses a rich cultural heritage and a deep-rooted connection between its people and their land, making it a living example of the concept of a renewed "rural economy." This step aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on developing the competitive advantages of regions, where the media plays a pivotal role in highlighting these assets and transforming them from mere traditional practices into promising investment opportunities.
From descriptive reporting to impactful creation
In discussing the evolution of the media message, the head of the Saudi Media Forum explained that the role of media today has moved beyond simply reporting and describing events. He pointed out that modern media is now required to "reframe stories" and connect them to their deeper social and economic contexts. This shift aims to build a sustainable development narrative that highlights local identity and changes the stereotypical image of rural areas from being solely spaces for traditional agriculture to fertile ground for entrepreneurship and innovation, thus giving the Saudi story a unique and influential voice.
Economic and social dimensions of the initiative
The meeting was attended by a select group of experts and officials, including the Secretary General of the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, Mohammed Al-Hanaya, and the Chairman of the National Committee for Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulaziz Al-Mahous. Participants discussed the importance of integration between media institutions and economic sectors
- Strengthening the community economy: by highlighting local success stories and entrepreneurs in the regions.
- Investment attraction: Marketing the comparative advantages of regions through professional media content that attracts capital.
- Strengthening identity: Preserving cultural heritage and presenting it in modern formats that keep pace with digital transformations.
The Road to the Saudi Media Forum 2026
The “Light” initiative is an interactive bridge that paves the way for the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from February 2 to 4, 2026. Through these regional tours, which began in Al-Ahsa and continue in Al-Qassim, the forum aims to broaden the base of community participation and ensure that media discourse is representative of all segments of Saudi society.
It is worth noting that the forum adopts a package of quality initiatives to empower the sector, such as the "Media Ambassadors" initiative for students, the "SMF GROW UP" initiative to support startups, and the "Saudi MIB" initiative for artificial intelligence, which confirms its commitment to leading the transformation in the regional and international media landscape.
