The Saudi Media Forum 2027 has announced that a group of international academics and researchers will take part in its upcoming edition, drawn from universities and research institutions across several countries, in a move the organisers say is meant to widen the forum's international reach and bring scholarly perspectives into its sessions on media and scientific research.
The roster includes Dr. Tulay Atay from Turkey, a faculty member and assistant professor, and Jihan Kubanoglu from the United States, vice president for academic affairs and a professor in the Victor Department of Business Administration, alongside Professor Kevin Naidoo of South Africa, deputy dean for research and innovation at the University of Zululand. It also brings in Dr. Ranja Kalansooriya of Sri Lanka, a regional adviser for Asia, Andrea Volterrani of Italy, an associate professor, and Professor Dr. Payal Arora of India, a professor at Utrecht University and founder of the Inclusive AI Lab.
According to the forum, the mix reflects an intent to build bridges between academic circles and the media industry internationally, exchange knowledge and experience, and examine the rapid transformations reshaping the sector and its future.
The next edition is set to host more than 300 speakers, experts and media figures from around the world, with a programme exceeding 150 sessions and workshops. Those sessions will address the sector's major shifts, with digital transformation, sustainability and the development of media talent at the forefront, bringing together media leaders, decision-makers, experts and representatives of media and technology organisations.
The announcement adds to a series of developments around the event, which is scheduled to run in Riyadh from 1 to 3 February 2027, including the participation of Microsoft on the judging panel of its media innovation camp and the renewal of the Royal Commission for AlUla's strategic partnership with the forum.