Saudi Media Forum 2026: Arab ministers discuss the power of change
All eyes will be on Riyadh, the Saudi capital, next Monday, as the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2026 , the region's premier media event, kicks off. This year's forum is themed "Media in a Changing World." It will feature a high-level ministerial session titled "Media as a Force for Change: Challenges of Public Opinion and Shaping the Future Generation," which aims to chart a roadmap for the future of Arab media amidst rapid transformations.
Riyadh: A global platform for the media industry
This edition of the forum holds particular strategic importance, as Riyadh has cemented its position as the capital of Arab media and a regional and international hub for content creation. The forum comes at a time when traditional and modern media face unprecedented challenges posed by the technological revolution, making this gathering a vital opportunity to unify Arab perspectives and explore ways to develop media discourse to be more impactful and credible.
High-level ministerial attendance
The main panel discussion, moderated by Saudi Shura Council member Fahd Al-Aqran, will attract a distinguished group of media decision-makers from across the Arab world. Speakers include Syrian Information Minister Hamza Al-Mustafa, Jordanian Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Hussein Saad Al-Momani, Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Muammar bin Mutahhar Al-Iryani, and Palestinian General Supervisor of Official Media Ahmad Assaf. These officials will discuss strategies for addressing geopolitical shifts and their impact on the media landscape.
Challenges of the digital age and artificial intelligence
At the Al-Ula Theater within the forum's headquarters, a discussion will delve into the intricate themes of the massive digital transformations reshaping societal consciousness. The discussion will not merely outline the challenges, but will also explore how artificial intelligence technologies can be harnessed to serve the truth rather than distort it, and how to counter the deluge of fake news that threatens societal stability. The session will also focus on the delicate balance between absolute freedom of expression and the ethical and professional responsibility inherent in digital content.
Media as a tool of soft diplomacy
Recognizing the pivotal role of media in international relations, the session will devote considerable time to discussing the concept of “soft diplomacy.” Strategies for using media as a bridge between cultures and a tool for fostering international understanding will be explored, along with its role in shaping the public image of nations and societies. This focus is fundamental to understanding how media has transformed from a mere conduit of news into a shaper of events and a partner in formulating public policy.
It is worth noting that the Saudi Media Forum 2026 will witness wide participation of more than 300 speakers from among the most prominent experts, academics and media professionals from inside and outside the Kingdom, distributed across more than 150 dialogue sessions and workshops, reflecting the magnitude of the event and its expected impact on the future of the media industry in the region.
