The fourth edition of FOMEX will be held at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre from February 2-4, 2026, alongside the Saudi Media Forum. In an exclusive interview with Hatim Abounassf, Executive VP for Engineering Affairs and General Supervisor of the Strategy and Planning Sector at Saudi Broadcasting Authority, BroadcastPro ME explores SBA’s role at the event, its significance for the Arab media landscape and what visitors can expect from this year’s edition.
With the Kingdom hosting unprecedented global events and major projects, what is SBA’s strategic roadmap to manage these massive requirements while staying ahead of the rapid shifts in viewer behaviour and digital consumption locally, regionally and internationally?
SBA is executing an ambitious strategy designed for agility, scale and global resonance. To meet the demands of the Kingdom’s giga-projects and events, we are transitioning gradually to an AI-driven, cloud-native host broadcaster model. This shift allows us to scale production infrastructure instantly for global audiences while maintaining the highest technical standards. We are executing a digital switch for worldwide distribution to complement our traditional DTH foundations. By integrating a platform-agnostic ecosystem leveraging global CDNs and advanced OTT streaming, we are ensuring that SBA content is no longer geographically limited but accessible on every device, everywhere.
This hybrid approach allows us to stay ahead of viewing behaviours through data-driven personalisation and social-first storytelling. Our roadmap ensures that as the Kingdom transforms, SBA provides the high-tech, borderless lens through which the local, regional and international audience experience the Saudi journey in real time.
Can you elaborate on SBA’s role in FOMEX?
The Saudi Broadcasting Authority plays a central and strategic role in FOMEX 2026. SBA is not only a key partner but also a driving force behind the development of the Kingdom’s broadcast ecosystem. Their involvement ensures that the event aligns with national priorities, supports industry modernisation and reflects the highest professional standards.
SBA also contributes through technical expertise, industry leadership and by facilitating collaboration between local and international companies. Their presence helps position FOMEX as a platform that truly represents the future of broadcasting in Saudi Arabia.
Now that it is in its fourth year, can you tell us how FOMEX has evolved?
The exhibition reflects the rapid transformation taking place across Saudi Arabia’s media and broadcast sector. We’ve aligned closely with national trends such as digital transformation, cloud-based production, AI-driven workflows and the modernisation of broadcast infrastructure, key pillars supporting Vision 2030. This upcoming edition is especially distinguished by the honour of receiving royal patronage from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This recognition reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its media ecosystem and elevating platforms that drive innovation and industry development.
Feedback from past participants helped shape FOMEX 2026. Exhibitors appreciated the quality of visitors and the strong business environment, for instance, but asked for more space, more specialised zones and deeper technical sessions. Visitors wanted more hands-on experiences and clearer access to emerging technologies.
As a result, this year we have expanded the exhibition layout, introduced new innovation and demo zones, enhanced the conference programme and created more opportunities for direct interaction between global brands and local talent. In short, the event has grown in direct response to what our partners and attendees told us they needed.
FOMEX now serves as a strategic platform showcasing both technological innovation and national media priorities within the Saudi Media Forum. It operates as the dedicated exhibition component of the broader Saudi Media Forum, bringing together technology, infrastructure and innovation conversations in one integrated space.
Unlike other shows, we have seen FOMEX become family-friendly in the evening?
The decision to make FOMEX family-friendly in the evenings is intentional. The event runs from 11am to 7pm daily, with evenings aligning with Riyadh Season, offering visitors access to cultural and entertainment activities across the city. Families can enjoy a more inclusive experience while engaging with the creative and technological side of the media industry. It also inspires younger generations, giving them early exposure to broadcasting, content creation and innovation.
Who are some of your key exhibitors at FOMEX?
We already have a strong line-up of key exhibitors confirmed for FOMEX 2026. Major global brands such as Sony, Ross Video, Lawo, Grass Valley, Blackmagic Design and Sennheiser will be showcasing their latest broadcast and production technologies. We will also host a dedicated roundtable sponsored by the Ministry of Media and the Ministry of Communications. FOMEX will also feature regional and Saudi companies that are contributing to the Kingdom’s fast-growing media ecosystem. Their presence will highlight local innovation, system integration capabilities and new solutions tailored to the Saudi market.
HUMAIN, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading AI companies, is an exhibitor. Its CEO will be speaking at the Saudi Media Forum. SBA will also sign a strategic agreement with HUMAIN during FOMEX. Other major national entities such as STC, Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City will also have significant presence, reflecting strong local industry engagement. There will be prominent speakers from SBA, along with international executives who will share insights on the future of broadcasting, digital transformation and content innovation.
Visitors can expect to see next-generation studio systems, IP-based workflows, cloud production tools, virtual production setups and advanced audio solutions. Overall, the exhibition floor will offer a comprehensive view of where the industry is heading, both globally and within the Kingdom. We expect to have more than 300 exhibitors, of which approximately 50% are international.
Are companies planning to unveil new products?
Yes, there will be a dedicated central announcement zone with hourly product unveilings throughout the exhibition. We expect several companies to introduce new products and solutions specifically for the Saudi market at FOMEX 2026. Many of our international exhibitors see Saudi Arabia as one of the fastest-growing media markets in the region, so they are choosing this event as the platform to debut new technologies.
Could you share some numbers on the rate of growth of the media industry in Saudi Arabia and how FOMEX aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for the media and entertainment sector?
Saudi Arabia’s media and entertainment sector has been growing at one of the fastest rates in the region. Industry reports indicate annual growth of around 8-10%, driven by major investments in digital infrastructure, content creation and new production technologies. The Kingdom is also expanding its media hubs, training programmes and regulatory frameworks to support a more competitive and innovative industry.
FOMEX aligns closely with Vision 2030 by supporting these national priorities. The event brings together global technology leaders, local innovators and key government stakeholders to accelerate digital transformation, modernise broadcast operations and develop local talent. By showcasing the latest technologies and creating a platform for knowledge exchange, FOMEX contributes directly to the Kingdom’s goal of building a world-class media ecosystem.
Are there initiatives to showcase local talent?
Yes, FOMEX 2026 strongly emphasises Saudi talent and innovation. We have dedicated areas within the exhibition for Saudi startups, content creators and emerging technology companies to present their work. These initiatives are designed to highlight the creativity and technical capabilities developing within the Kingdom’s media landscape.
We’re also working closely with national organisations to provide training opportunities and connect local talent with global industry leaders. Certified two-day training programmes with international companies will provide accreditation and skills development for university students and young professionals. The goal is to ensure that Saudi innovators have a prominent platform and that their contributions are visible alongside major international brands.
