Al-Harthi: Media is a driver of the rural economy, at the Saudi Media Forum
In a move that reinforces the role of media as a strategic partner in national development, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 the second meeting of its unique initiative, "The Saudi Media Forum Light," in the city of Buraidah in the Qassim region. The meeting, titled "Qassim Speaks: How Media Rediscovers the Countryside and the Local Economy," was attended by the Forum's Chairman, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, and held in strategic partnership with Qassim University, represented by its Department of Media and Communication.
The context of media transformation in the Kingdom
This media surge comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing radical transformations as part of Vision 2030, where media is no longer merely a conduit for news, but has become an active tool in creating opportunities and highlighting the cultural and economic potential of regions. The Qassim region holds particular importance in this context, given its agricultural, economic, and heritage significance, making it an ideal model for implementing the concepts of "developmental media," which seeks to transform the comparative advantages of regions into investment opportunities and inspiring success stories.
Redefining the relationship between humans and place
During the meeting, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi emphasized that the choice of Al-Qassim was not arbitrary, but rather stemmed from its unique character as a region that holds a deep historical connection between people and place. He explained that the expected role of media today extends beyond simply describing the scene; it must reframe stories and connect them to the economic and social context. He pointed to the necessity of questioning stereotypical images associated with rural areas and re-presenting them as promising spaces for opportunity and entrepreneurship, not merely as areas of traditional production.
Expected economic and social impact
Participants, including the Secretary-General of the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, Mohammed Al-Hanaya, and the Chairman of the National Committee for Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulaziz Al-Mahous, discussed the importance of integrating media and entrepreneurship. This integration aims to build a sustainable development narrative that supports the community economy and strengthens local identity. These initiatives are expected to attract investment to the regions, boost rural tourism, and create economic momentum that aligns with national aspirations, giving the Saudi story a unique voice capable of global influence.
"Light" Initiative: A Bridge for Continuous Communication
The "Saudi Media Forum Light" initiative aims to transform the event from an annual occasion into a permanent and influential community presence across the Kingdom. Launched in its first stop in Al-Ahsa Governorate under the theme "Al-Ahsa and UNESCO," the initiative now continues its journey in Al-Qassim, aiming to foster media dialogues that reflect the needs of each region and broaden engagement with students, stakeholders, and content creators, in preparation for the fifth edition of the forum.
Saudi Media Forum 2026
The fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum will be held from February 2nd to 4th, 2026, under the theme "Media in a Changing World." The forum is the region's premier platform for exploring the future of the media industry, featuring over 100 panel discussions with 300 speakers. It also supports a range of pioneering initiatives, including the "Saudi MIB" artificial intelligence platform, the "Media Ambassadors" initiative, and the "SMF GROW UP" incubator to support emerging media companies, underscoring its commitment to empowering talent and developing digital content.
