The fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum, the region’s premier media event, kicks off today under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The forum brings together leading thinkers and media executives from around the world under the theme “Media in a Changing World.” At the heart of this important event, the Ministry of Media is participating with an innovative platform called “Media Bridge,” an interactive window showcasing the Saudi media ecosystem’s most prominent initiatives and ambitious transformation projects.
The “Media Bridge” takes visitors on an immersive journey into the future of Saudi media, where theoretical ideas are transformed into practical applications and media messages translate into tangible impact. Through advanced digital experiences, the bridge reflects the significant development of the national media landscape, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a modern and influential media sector.
General context and importance of the forum
Since its inception, the Saudi Media Forum has served as a strategic platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry regionally and internationally. With each edition, the forum gains momentum, becoming a key gathering place for dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and future planning. This year's edition comes at a time of rapid global transformation driven by technology and artificial intelligence, placing the media under an urgent need to adapt and innovate. The Ministry of Media's strong participation reflects a deep understanding of the importance of keeping pace with these changes and leading the transformation of the local media landscape.
Integrated cognitive and interactive experiences
The Media Bridge features a range of interactive spaces designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Among these is the Knowledge Bridge, which brings together interested individuals from various media disciplines for intensive workshops led by prominent experts and specialists. These workshops include "How to Shine on Stage?" presented by Fatima Fahad, a news anchor on Al Arabiya, and "Your Digital Account as a Media Tool," presented by Malek Al-Ruqi, General Manager of Al Thaqafiya Channel. Participants receive certificates of attendance accredited by the Saudi Academy for Media at the end of the workshops, adding significant professional value to their experience.
Expected impact at the local and regional levels
The importance of this participation extends beyond the local level to encompass regional and international dimensions. Locally, these initiatives contribute to honing the skills of young Saudi media professionals and equipping them with the necessary tools to compete globally. Regionally, these events solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading hub for media and innovation in the Middle East. The "Ask the Media" space also offers visitors a unique opportunity to pose their questions directly to experts such as Abdulrahman Majrashi, Head of the Government Communication Center, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Omari, General Supervisor of the International Media Relations Agency, thus enhancing transparency and building bridges of trust between media institutions and the public.
A platform for real-world practice and knowledge exploration
From the heart of the media landscape, the "On Air" space stands out, offering visitors a realistic performance experience where they can role-play as a news anchor, podcast host, or official spokesperson, recording the entire experience to document their skills. In the "Saudipedia" corner, an engaging interactive experience tests visitors' knowledge of national information through short questions covering diverse topics. Through this unique participation, the Ministry of Media aims to enhance the media sector's presence, open new avenues for cooperation, and build strategic partnerships that will serve the future of the media industry both within the Kingdom and internationally.
