While Riyadh has a longstanding history of hosting conferences, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 distinguishes itself by functioning more as an operating system than a traditional event. The fifth edition demonstrates significant ambition, bringing together hundreds of media leaders and experts for an extensive program of sessions, complemented by the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX). FOMEX serves as a hands-on alternative to conventional panels, designed to highlight current and future media production processes. Notable initiatives include the launch of the ‘Digital Content Co-Creation Hub,’ a collaboration with leading technology companies to foster joint storytelling, and the ‘AI in Media Accelerator,’ which aims to transform content creation and distribution through advanced AI tools.
The central development for Vision 2030 is not simply the addition of another forum, but rather the Kingdom’s strategic shift from storytelling to constructing the foundational infrastructure for media: talent development pipelines, AI integration, investment channels, production standards, and international partnerships that enable scalable narrative sovereignty.
FOMEX is positioned as more than a conventional exhibition. Its structure explicitly demonstrates the intersection of AI and AR with creative processes, while fostering an ecosystem designed for network-building, best-practice exchange, investment, and talent development. Anticipated measurable outcomes include the establishment of strategic coalitions, potential investment agreements, and talent advancement through training and exposure to advanced technologies. The media sector is thus being approached as a growth industry, characterized by supply chains, research and development, and quantifiable outputs. This approach is expected to enhance advertising revenue resilience and export potential, making the sector increasingly attractive to senior business executives.
The shift: from amplification to production-grade storytellingHistorically, international discourse on Saudi media has focused primarily on external perceptions and narrative framing. The Saudi Media Forum 2026 seeks to shift this focus toward a more sustainable key performance indicator: the ability to develop content and technology that can be disseminated globally without relinquishing national narrative control. This aligns with Vision 2030, which recognizes that national transformation requires more than effective messaging. It necessitates the development of scalable, exportable storytelling capabilities across documentary, entertainment, news, immersive media, short-form creator economies, and AI-supported workflows.
This strategic approach is evident in the Forum’s selection of participants, which includes not only editors and anchors but also leaders in platform and production management. This diverse expertise indicates a comprehensive examination of the media value chain, encompassing distribution, monetization, measurement, and the technological infrastructure that influences audience trust and engagement. The Forum’s integrated model is analogous to the seamless operation of fintech systems, where each component contributes to the overall efficiency of the media ecosystem. This approach enhances not only visibility but also credibility and reach. It mirrors the successful practices of established global media centers such as London and New York, where the integration of technical infrastructure and creative content has driven media innovation. This comparison underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve and potentially surpass international media standards, positioning the country as a competitive force in the global media landscape.
Enter MIB 2026: the strategy with teethWhile FOMEX serves as a showcase for media advancements, the Saudi MIB 2026 (Media Innovation Bootcamp) functions as the operational center for innovation. MIB is positioned as an innovation engine developed to empower Saudi talent to develop AI-driven media solutions that reflect national identity and modern presentation methods. Participation is open to both local and global entities, with criteria that focus on advancing innovation, from start-ups and small enterprises to larger companies engaged in media and technology. Practical eligibility rules, team formats, evaluation stages, and an in-person capstone during the Forum ensure an organized approach to cultivating pioneering media solutions.
The program tracks reflect the future direction of the industry: AI-Enhanced Journalism (including analysis, verification, and misinformation detection), Intelligent Content Creation (tools that accelerate production across various formats), and the Intelligent Virtual Anchor (AI-driven delivery in both visual and audio formats). The timeline is structured with a focus on product development, encompassing registration, evaluation phases, refinement periods, prototype assessments, selection of finalists, and culminating in an in-person event during the Forum. This approach demonstrates a shift from merely promoting new storytelling methods to establishing a systematic process for nurturing the tools and talent necessary for their creation.
Strategically, this represents the most significant alignment with Vision 2030: institutionalizing innovation to ensure that the next generation of Saudi storytellers not only acquires technical skills but also contributes to the development of platforms, formats, and workflows.
Globally, the media industry is experiencing a decline in public trust and undergoing significant changes to its business models. The adoption of AI is reducing production times, challenging notions of authenticity, and prompting a reevaluation of credibility standards. In this context, successful countries are those that can demonstrate content provenance, foster talent development, and drive innovation. Media leaders interested in engaging with Saudi initiatives may participate in MIB 2026 to collaborate on AI-driven media solutions. They may also pursue strategic partnerships through FOMEX to exchange best practices and access advanced technologies. These actions can strengthen their own media operations and contribute to the broader industry discourse on innovation and credibility.
The structure of SMF 2026 indicates that Saudi Arabia is adopting a long-term strategy, positioning Riyadh as a central hub for the region’s emerging media landscape. The Forum’s scale, its emphasis on technology zones and partnerships at FOMEX, and the MIB’s bootcamp model collectively support the thesis that future influence will be determined by operational excellence. Rather than seeking attention, the focus is on demonstrating tangible production capabilities.
Published by: Boudou Gueffai | Editor-in-Chief | The Saudi Times
