West at the Saudi Media Forum: Electronic games are the future of the economy
Søren West, CEO of Tate, affirmed that the video game industry is no longer merely a form of fleeting entertainment, but has transformed into a formidable economic force that will shape the next decade both globally and locally. This statement was made during his participation in the Saudi Media Forum 2026 , considered the region's premier media event.
The pace of transformation is ahead of time
Speaking at a session titled "The Entertainment Industry: A Rising Economic Power," West praised the dynamic transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia. He noted that the speed of achievement and development in the Kingdom has rendered traditional timelines obsolete, saying, "The pace of change in the Kingdom is ahead of schedule, and the multiplier effect of the video game sector will be crucial in the coming years.".
West added, in a remarkable statement reflecting the scale of the rapid development: “The prevailing saying that whoever hasn’t visited Saudi Arabia in six months doesn’t know it, perhaps needs to be updated to just three months, given the scale of the daily changes and the huge projects being implemented on the ground.”.
Saudi Media Forum: A Global Platform
These statements coincide with the launch of the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh, inaugurated by Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari under the theme "Media in a Changing World." This year's forum boasts unprecedented international participation, with over 300 media leaders and experts representing more than 20 countries worldwide.
The forum will discuss, through more than 150 specialized dialogue sessions, vital issues concerning the future of the industry, addressing the intersection of media with politics and economics, and the impact of technology and innovation on media content, with the participation of representatives from international and regional think tanks.
Future Media Exhibition (FOMEX)
In a related context, the forum will be accompanied by the innovative edition of the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), the largest specialized media exhibition in the Middle East. This year, the exhibition will attract more than 250 local and international companies showcasing the latest technologies in broadcasting, digital production, and artificial intelligence, further solidifying Riyadh's position as the media and entertainment capital of the region.
This major move reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the infrastructure of the media and entertainment sectors, as part of its economic diversification goals, creating new job opportunities for young people, and attracting foreign direct investment in these vital sectors.
