المنتدى السعودي للإعلام | Saudi Media Forum

What المنتدى السعودي للإعلام | Saudi Media Forum does

Saudi Media Forum (SMF) is an annual media-industry platform headquartered in Riyadh, operating under the royal patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It convenes regional and international media, technology, and policy stakeholders through a flagship three-day forum accompanied by the FOMEX (Future of Media Exhibition) and a portfolio of satellite products: the Saudi Media Award, the Scientific Program, SMF GROW UP, Media Ambassadors, and SMF Connect. The 2026 edition reported 65,000+ visitors, 150 dialogue sessions, and a Guinness World Record, with 2027 adding a new Saudi MIB (Media Innovation Bootcamp) built around AI-Enhanced Journalism, Intelligent Content Creation, and AI-Powered Virtual Presenter tracks.

The operating model is event-anchored and ecosystem-driven. SMF is a private organization with a lean 14-person core team, indicating that production scale is achieved through partners rather than internal headcount. Its commercial counterparties include a concentrated set of Saudi-aligned anchors — HUMAIN AI, SDAIA, STC, Arabsat, MBC, Rotana, SRMG, Al Arabiya — alongside international partners such as Warner Bros. Discovery and the Associated Press. Sponsorship appears tiered (e.g., Red Sea as Gold Partner, Saudia Cargo as Official Logistics Partner), and there is no disclosed ticketing or subscription product.

SMF does not develop proprietary AI/ML technology; AI is positioned as programming theme and execution layer delivered through partnerships with HUMAIN AI and SDAIA. The business model is therefore best characterized as a state-aligned convening and content platform, monetized through headline sponsorships, exhibition fees, and likely government grant funding tied to Saudi Vision 2030's media-sector objectives, rather than through recurring enterprise or consumer contracts.

Name

المنتدى السعودي للإعلام | Saudi Media Forum

Legal name

Saudi Media Forum

Website

https://saudimf.sa

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Saudi Media Forum (SMF) is a Riyadh-based annual media-industry platform operating under royal patronage, hosting a flagship forum, the FOMEX exhibition, media awards, and the new Saudi MIB AI bootcamp for regional and international media stakeholders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Media Events & Conferences

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Association Conferences (MPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technology & Developer Conferences (MPAGAGAE), Academic & Scientific Conferences (MPAGAGAD)

Keywords

• Media industry forums
• Media conferences exhibitions
• Media innovation events
• Broadcasting technology showcases
• Media awards programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

The Saudi Media Forum is an annual media industry event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that convenes global media leaders, decision-makers, and experts to discuss the future of media and digital transformation. Its core deliverables include the annual Saudi Media Forum conference, the FOMEX (Future of Media Exhibition) for showcasing broadcasting and production technologies, the Saudi Media Award for recognizing excellence, a Scientific Program of sessions and workshops, and supporting initiatives (Saudi MIB bootcamp, SMF GROW UP, Media Ambassadors, SMF Connect) that develop talent and support emerging media companies.

Product overview

The Saudi Media Forum (SMF) operates as a comprehensive media event platform hosting an annual forum, FOMEX exhibition, and multiple initiatives. The core offerings include the main Saudi Media Forum event bringing together global media leaders, the FOMEX (Future of Media Exhibition) showcasing latest broadcasting technologies, the Saudi Media Award recognizing excellence, and the Scientific Program for professional content. Supporting initiatives include Saudi MIB (Media Innovation Bootcamp) for AI-driven media innovation, SMF GROW UP for emerging media companies, Media Ambassadors for student empowerment, and SMF Connect for cultural communication through translation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FOMEX: Future of Media Exhibition - a diverse set of sessions and workshops led by experts, academics, and professionals to exchange knowledge and explore trends and challenges in media.
• Saudi MIB
• Saudi Media Award

Products and services

• Saudi Media Forum (SMF) An annual forum bringing together global media leaders, decision-makers, and experts to discuss the future of media and digital transformation in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Targets media professionals, institutions, and policymakers.
• FOMEX (Future of Media Exhibition) A tech exhibition showcasing the latest broadcasting and production technologies, part of the Saudi Media Forum. Held in Riyadh with exhibition space booking available for media technology providers and institutions.
• Saudi Media Award An annual award recognizing excellence and innovation across multiple media fields, honoring outstanding contributions to the development of the media sector at local and regional levels. Targets media professionals and institutions.
• Scientific Program Rich scientific content presented by professionals in media through sessions and workshops designed to open new horizons for understanding and discussion. Targets media professionals, journalists, and academics.
• Saudi MIB (Media Innovation Bootcamp) A media innovation bootcamp empowering talents to develop AI-driven solutions for the media sector, featuring three tracks: AI-Enhanced Journalism, Intelligent Content Creation, and AI-Powered Virtual Presenter. Targets media and tech startups, digital creators, and media innovators aged 18-40.
• SMF GROW UP An initiative to support emerging media companies financially and through training by funding projects and providing development programs. Targets emerging media companies and startups.
• Media Ambassadors A national initiative to empower media students to represent the Kingdom locally and internationally through field training and interaction with media institutions. Targets media students.
• SMF Connect Enhances global cultural communication through media and language by supporting young talents to produce translated content reflecting Saudi culture. Targets young content creators and translators.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered media partner, legacy partner, communication partner, core, future partner, supporting, creativity partner, creative partner, knowledge partner, strategic sponsor, digital enabler and innovation partner.

• Nabdmedia partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner contributing to the forum's outreach and communication efforts
• Diriyah Seasonlegacy partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerLegacy partner for the Saudi Media Forum
• AWJ STUDIOcommunication partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunication partner for the forum
• IdeationcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner contributing to forum's digital infrastructure
• Expofuture partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFuture partner for upcoming editions
• Saudia CargosupportingOthersLogistics partner for the forum's operational needs
• Human Capability Development ProgramsupportingOthersSponsor for Saudi Media Awards
• NITXcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for forum operations
• Elixir TechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for forum infrastructure
• PCGcreativity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCreativity partner for forum activities
• Manga ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner in animation and media production
• HUMAIN AIcoreTechnology or IntegrationAI technology partner for media innovation initiatives
• Film Commissioncreative partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative partner for film and media production
• ThmanyahcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia content partner
• SRMGcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic media partner from Saudi Research and Media Group
• JacocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner for forum coverage
• ArabsatcoreTechnology or IntegrationSatellite broadcasting technology partner
• AP (Associated Press)coreTechnology or IntegrationNews and media technology partner
• Warner Bros. DiscoverycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor media entertainment partner
• Mawhibaknowledge partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge partner specializing in gifted education and talent development
• AlArabiyacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerArabic-language media news partner
• MBCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMiddle East Broadcasting Center media partner
• RotanacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMusic and media entertainment partner
• Royal Commission for AlUlastrategic sponsorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic sponsor supporting cultural and heritage media initiatives
• STCdigital enablerTechnology or IntegrationDigital enabler and telecommunications partner
• Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Saudi MIB bootcamp, contributing to AI-driven media innovation advancement
• Muzij Platforminnovation partnerTechnology or IntegrationInnovation partner for media bootcamp program
• TKNinnovation partnerTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for innovation initiatives
• Saudi Innovation Clubinnovation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation ecosystem partner supporting bootcamp participants

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity: Global flagship event for the media, advertising, and creative industries. Comparable as a high-prestige annual industry gathering combining conference programming, exhibitions, and awards.
• SXSW: Austin-based festival spanning media, technology, and culture. Comparable as a multi-track convening platform that integrates conference programming, exhibitions, and innovation showcases.
• NAB Show: The National Association of Broadcasters' flagship annual convention for broadcast, media, and entertainment technology. Comparable as a global broadcast-technology exhibition and conference.
• World Economic Forum: Organizer of the Davos Annual Meeting, the benchmark global leadership forum convening heads of state, media, and business. Comparable to Saudi Media Forum as a flagship annual convening platform with royal/state-level patronage and global speaker curation.
• Web Summit: One of the world's largest tech conferences with strong media-industry participation. Comparable in scale (tens of thousands of attendees) and in operating an exhibition-plus-conference plus partner-activation model.

Direct peers

• MIPCOM / MIPTV (RX Global): Leading global content markets for the media and entertainment industry, combining exhibition, conference, and deal-making. Comparable in its media-industry focus and exhibition-driven business model.
• IBC (International Broadcasting Convention): Annual broadcasting and media-technology exhibition and conference. Closely comparable to FOMEX in its focus on broadcasting production technology and media-tech industry convening.
• Arab Media Forum: Dubai-based annual media industry forum. The closest direct regional peer, sharing the media-industry convening model, Gulf geography, and government-aligned patronage model with Saudi Media Forum.

Regional players

• Dubai International Film Festival: Regional film and media industry event in the Gulf. Comparable as a MENA-based media-industry convening platform operating under state patronage, though currently dormant/reformed.
• Asia Media Summit (ABU): Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union summit convening regional broadcasters and media leaders. Comparable as a large-scale media-industry gathering with international speaker curation, similar in audience profile to SMF.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AF%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about المنتدى السعودي للإعلام | Saudi Media Forum