Fomix Technologies 2026: Digitally Reviving Saudi Media Memory
The halls of the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), held alongside the Saudi Media Forum 2026, witnessed a qualitative leap in the concept of preserving media heritage. Modern technologies and ultra-high-definition digital screens showcased the reinterpretation of old content in contemporary language. This scene clearly illustrated the profound transformation underway in the Saudi media sector, moving from its traditional role as a mere conduit for events to an integrated system dedicated to preserving national memory, developing content, and shaping the future with innovative tools.
Advanced techniques for historical restoration
During an extensive tour of the pavilions of local and international companies participating in the exhibition, visitors can witness the remarkable technological advancements harnessed to process old photographs and historical scenes. These companies showcased solutions for digitizing audio-visual content and restoring old media materials, both physically and digitally, including rare films, photographs, and audio recordings, transforming them into high-quality digital content suitable for long-term preservation according to the highest international technical standards.
Fomex showcased specialized technologies in high-definition film scanning, color processing, and the restoration of damaged archival materials, along with advanced solutions for intelligent indexing and digital asset management. These systems aim to organize media content in a way that facilitates access for researchers and content creators, enabling its efficient and flexible reuse in contemporary media production.
The strategic importance of media archives
These steps come within the framework of a broader strategic direction aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for digital transformation and strengthening national identity. Media archives are not merely old materials; they represent the nation's memory and a record of its cultural and social development. The digitization process is of paramount importance in protecting this heritage from physical damage and loss, ensuring its transmission to future generations in a manner that reflects the Kingdom's rich history.
On the economic and investment level, organizing and making the media archive available digitally is a golden opportunity for the documentary and dramatic production sector, as it provides rich and documented material that can be relied upon in the production of high-value artistic and historical works, thus enhancing the soft power of the Kingdom and enriching Arabic content on the Internet.
Comprehensive solutions for protecting intellectual property
Among the prominent technological solutions showcased at the exhibition were integrated mechanisms for preserving audiovisual heritage, including secure physical and digital storage, and the inventorying and cataloging of media collections. The solutions also focused on the legal aspects, specifically auditing related to intellectual property and copyright, thereby enhancing the sustainability of media content, preserving its professional and historical value, and protecting the rights of institutions and individuals.
This advanced technological presence underscores the Kingdom's media sector's commitment to preserving its media heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and a fundamental element in building a modern, technology- and knowledge-based media landscape. Keeping pace with rapid digital transformations while preserving media heritage reflects a profound understanding of the need to adopt and utilize modern tools to create sustainable content capable of shaping a more professional and influential media future, both regionally and internationally.
