Saudi Media Forum 2026 Unveils Speaker Lineup For Fifth Edition In Riyadh

The Saudi Media Forum 2026 is gearing up for its fifth edition in Riyadh from February 2 to 4. This event will gather media professionals, academics, and experts globally for engaging sessions and discussions. The forum's speaker lineup includes influential media figures like editors-in-chief, renowned writers, and journalists who have significantly impacted global media.

These speakers boast careers spanning over four decades in journalism, with experience in newsrooms and editorial decision-making. They have guided media institutions through technological changes affecting the industry. The forum also features academics and experts in media innovation, focusing on integrating AI, extended reality, and data analytics into media production and distribution.

Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and President of the Saudi Media Forum, highlighted the rigorous selection process for speakers. He stated that this was based on specific criteria to enrich dialogue and broaden international integration horizons. Al-Harthi emphasized that the international participation scale showcases Saudi Arabia's growing influence on the global media stage.

The forum aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia's role as a soft power in shaping public opinion and trends. Al-Harthi noted that Saudi media is founded on solid principles and professional experience, making it a key player in regional and international media landscapes.

The forum has established itself as a prominent event on the global calendar by bringing together top media expertise worldwide. It provides an interactive environment that fosters knowledge exchange and contributes to developing the media industry while expanding international partnerships.

In previous editions, the forum has hosted notable figures such as former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, and renowned photographer Evan Vucci. This reflects its status as a prestigious platform for international media dialogue.

The upcoming edition promises to continue this tradition by offering valuable insights into current challenges facing the media industry. It will explore solutions through collaborative efforts among participants from diverse backgrounds.

With inputs from SPA