Forum highlights media role in development

Muscat: The Saudi Media Forum concluded its activities with the participation of an official delegation from the Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Information. The participation aimed to exchange expertise on media, its role in development, and the future vision for media transformation.
This participation came within the framework of strengthening fraternal relations and joint media cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Oman, and exchanging experiences and methods that enhance the media’s impact in serving societies. The fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum 2026 was launched from February 2 to 4 under the theme ‘Media in a Changing World’. The forum witnessed a notable presence of official delegations from various Arab and regional countries.
The forum organisers clarified that this edition embodies the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in supporting the knowledge economy, enhancing Riyadh’s position as an international platform for exchanging media expertise, and empowering the sector with tools for innovation and development, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and modern media technologies.
The forum served as an international media platform, bringing together over 300 media leaders and experts from more than 20 countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry amidst rapid digital and technological transformations. This was achieved through over 150 specialised and diverse dialogue sessions. The sessions provided a valuable experience, enabling the Sultanate of Oman to understand global public opinion trends, grasp modern media influence tools, enhance strategic media planning, and connect media with development, tourism, and investment. Furthermore, they fostered a professional network that supports the presence of Omani media and expands its influence regionally and internationally.
The forum addressed the importance of strengthening media cooperation between countries, exploring new avenues for collaboration in training, exchanging expertise, and developing media content to keep pace with the rapidly changing global landscape. This took place amidst a broad presence of international organisations and professional bodies in the media sector.
Oman’s benefit from the forum lies in acquiring leading experiences in digital media transformation, building Gulf and international media partnerships, developing the skills of national talent, and anticipating the future of media and modern technologies. This will enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s presence and its media message regionally and internationally.