Riyadh hosts landmark event defining the ‘Year of Impact’
Riyadh – Issam Al-Awami
Riyadh set the stage for a transformative dialogue on the future of media as Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary inaugurated the fourth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2025. Under the theme “Media in an Evolving World,” the event, held from February 19-21, brought together influential global figures, including Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Media as a catalyst for change
In his opening address, Minister Al-Dossary declared 2025 as the “Year of Impact,” emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of global media. He highlighted the rapid transformation of Saudi media, positioning the Kingdom as a 21st-century success story. Reflecting on the nation’s influence, he noted that in 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia welcomed 24 world leaders and hosted over 15,625 events, attracting more than 42 million visitors—equivalent to two events per hour throughout the year.
Saudi Arabia: a global media and events powerhouse
The minister underscored the Kingdom’s emergence as a hub for major global events, citing the upcoming Expo 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cup. He revealed that advanced augmented reality, smart broadcasting, and innovative production technologies would redefine these landmark events, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of media evolution.
Looking ahead, he projected the creation of nearly 150,000 jobs in the media sector by 2030, fueled by investments in talent development and innovation. The “Year of Impact 2025” will focus on non-profit media, social responsibility, and volunteerism, alongside an international conference on the future of news, aiming to enhance the global presence of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Key initiatives include digitizing historical archives, launching journalism fellowships, and implementing governance policies for digital advertising to ensure ethical standards and transparency.
The future of media: AI, big data, and immersive technologies
Al-Dossary highlighted the fusion of human creativity and machine intelligence as a defining challenge of modern media. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is transforming into a global laboratory for media innovation, where AI, big data, mixed reality, and virtual reality converge to shape next-generation journalism. He further stressed that predictive journalism, AI-powered reporting, and immersive media experiences are set to revolutionize the industry.
The transformation is being showcased at the Future Media Exhibition (FOMEX), where over 250 leading media and technology companies are convening to redefine the global media and communication landscape.
A platform for industry leaders and innovators
The fourth Saudi Media Forum serves as a premier platform for local and global media professionals to exchange insights, assess the potential of new media technologies, and explore the strategic role of soft power. Over three days, the forum will delve into various aspects of the media industry, covering visual, audio, print, and digital platforms.
As media continues to evolve in an era of rapid technological advancements, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a pioneering force in the global communication revolution. The Saudi Media Forum 2025 is more than just an event—it is a blueprint for the future of media.
