Media innovations under the microscope at Riyadh exhibition
Updated 25 December 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Cutting-edge media technologies and innovations will be showcased at a global event in Riyadh next month.
The Future of Media Exhibition, organized by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, will take place on Feb. 19 on the sidelines of the Saudi Media Forum.
More than 200 local and international companies will join the exhibition that aims to explore the future of the media industry.
The event will highlight business experiences with cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence applications, and also showcase the latest developments in content development, production, broadcasting, content management, and post-production stages.
It will also offer a platform for the exchange of ideas, opinions, and experiences at local, regional, and international levels, focussing on technological and innovative developments in the media and content industries.
The three-day event will take place at The Arena Riyadh. Applications for participation can be submitted using the following link: https://fomexsa.com.
Earlier, Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO Mohammed Al-Harthi highlighted the significance of ensuring that the Saudi media aligns with the goal of fulfilling the government’s “ambitious national vision.”
He said that it is important to establish and reinforce connections with local and international media organizations to make a positive influence.
Organizing similar gatherings will help to improve media standards and enable the industry to keep up with rapidly changing technologies in the field, Al-Harthi said.
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
Updated 24 January 2026
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
