Saudi Media Forum Hosts Global and Regional Civil Society Organizations to Shape the Future of the Industry
In its fifth edition, scheduled to take place from February 2 to 4, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 reinforces its position as a global gathering that brings together media makers and decision-makers on a unified platform. The forum’s hosting of a wide range of civil society organizations working in the media sector reflects the depth of the strategic and sustainable partnerships it is building with various stakeholders. This major professional gathering provides a platform to explore challenges and opportunities that can advance the media industry locally and regionally, strengthening the forum’s role as a leading Saudi platform for media dialogue and cooperation that contributes to capacity building, encourages innovation, and builds effective communication networks at both the local and international levels.
International organizations and unions take center stage at the Saudi Media Forum 2026, with the participation of a select group of major entities that shape journalism and publishing worldwide. This list includes the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC), alongside WorldDAB, and the International News Media Association (INMA). These international partners contribute to transferring global expertise and localizing best professional practices, with a focus on updating journalistic tools to keep pace with rapid technological changes. The role of the Media Innovation Center (INNOVATION) and the Artificial Intelligence Research Center (Digital News) also stands out in providing scientific and practical insights into the future of digital media and artificial intelligence in newsrooms.
The Saudi Media Forum 2026 places great importance on strengthening ties with regional unions and organizations, as reflected in the active participation of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the Union of News Agencies (UNA), and the Arab Media Forum. These participations reflect the forum’s desire to create a cohesive regional media front capable of addressing common challenges and these organizations play a vital role in enhancing news and program exchange among member states and developing human capital through joint training programs, which contributes to raising the quality of media content presented to audiences in the Middle East and Asia.
National bodies, unions, and associations form a core pillar of the forum’s identity, as the Saudi Journalists Association meets with its counterparts from sister and friendly countries such as the Moroccan Journalists Syndicate, the Bahrain Journalists Association, the Kuwaiti Association for Media and Communication, the Qatar Center for Journalism, and the Political Thinking Center from Iraq. Egyptian participation is also distinguished by broad representation that includes the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, the National Press Authority, the National Media Authority, and the State Information Service. These professional entities work to protect journalists’ rights, establish ethical charters for media work, and ensure the delivery of responsible media that serve local communities and reflect their aspirations.
The specialized professional and intellectual centers at the Saudi Media Forum 2026 will act as laboratories generating creative ideas and innovative solutions. The Media Innovation Center (INNOVATION) from the United Kingdom and the Artificial Intelligence Research Center (Digital News) from the United States and the United Kingdom will present the latest studies on reading behavior and digital transformations. At the same time, the Political Thinking Center from Iraq will provide in-depth analyses of the intersection between media and politics, while the Qatar Center for Journalism and the Arab Media Forum will enrich the forum’s intellectual content. These centers play a pivotal role in linking the academic and research dimensions with the practical reality of media, ensuring continuous development based on solid scientific foundations.
The strong presence of these organizations and regulatory and oversight bodies reflects the Saudi Media Forum’s commitment to creating a well-organized media environment characterized by transparency and professionalism. Its hosting of all these media organizations and entities confirms that the Kingdom has become the leading destination for shaping the future of media. Readers, audiences, and practitioners alike find in this forum an exceptional opportunity to learn about the latest achievements of human thought in this vital sector. These wide partnerships with civil society organizations prove that cooperation is the only way to elevate the media message and ensure its sustainability and positive impact worldwide.
