SRMG, Naif Alrajhi Investment to power regional media and advertising ecosystem

The agreement brings together SRMG’s newly launched data-driven advertising entity SRMG Media Solutions (SMS) with Naif Alrajhi Investment’s diversified assets. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 April 2025
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SRMG, Naif Alrajhi Investment to power regional media and advertising ecosystem

  • Partnership with Phi Advertising enhances Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising by combining Phi and SMS assets, offering diversified across the MENA region
  • Partnership with Veyron Marketing to elevate the regional landscape by providing clients access to SMS’s dynamic portfolio of innovative digital formats, branded content, and experiential advertising solutions

RIYADH: SRMG, the MENA region’s largest integrated media group, and Naif Alrajhi Investment, a leading Saudi investment firm with a diversified portfolio and a track record of leading portfolio companies in the media sector regionally, announced Wednesday a strategic partnership designed to advance innovation and growth across the media and advertising industries. This partnership focuses on two strategic pillars: Expanding Phi’s Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising footprint and partnering with Veyron Marketing to drive innovation in media and marketing. 

The agreement brings together SRMG’s newly launched SRMG Media Solutions (SMS), a next generation data-driven advertising entity representing a portfolio of renowned brands including Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News and Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Arab News, Hia Magazine and Thmanya, with Naif Alrajhi Investment’s diversified assets.  

Through the partnership, Phi, a key player in the Middle East’s Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector, offering a dynamic range of solutions from traditional billboards to cutting-edge digital displays, will amplify its reach, supported by SMS’s cross-platform content distribution across digital, social, TV, and print channels. 

Moreover, Veyron Marketing, a leading player in Saudi Arabia’s advertising industry, renowned for its innovative marketing solutions and robust media planning and buying capabilities, will gain access to SRMG Media Solutions’ (SMS) dynamic portfolio of advertising offerings, including innovative digital formats, branded content, and experiential advertising. 

The partnership is underpinned by a shared vision to foster innovation, expand digital capabilities, and unlock new commercial opportunities for both parties. Together, SMS and Veyron bring a deep understanding of the Saudi market, further strengthened by SRMG’s extensive global reach enabling them to drive long-term value for advertisers. 

SRMG CEO Jomana R. Alrashid stated, “This partnership is a convergence of vision, impact and capability. By uniting Phi’s comprehensive presence and Veyron’s operational expertise, combined with SRMG Media Solutions’ services and reach of over 170 million users, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem that empowers brands to engage audiences with unmatched relevance and impact.” 

Naif Saleh Alrajhi, Chairman & CEO of Naif Alrajhi Investment, commented, "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative advertising solutions, creating exceptional opportunities for both regional and global advertisers. By partnering with SRMG and SRMG Media Solutions with our own assets, we are positioning brands to engage with audiences in new and meaningful ways. The strength of Naif Alrajhi Investment lies in our diversified portfolio and strong presence across key sectors, which allows us to offer unique, high impact opportunities that go beyond traditional media. This Partnership not only leverages the incredible growth in Saudi Arabia but also aims to shape the future of the media and marketing landscape globally."  

The partnership underscores SRMG’s expansion through SMS, which leverages a global audience of over 170 million users across platforms such as Asharq News, podcasts, and experiential activations. This, coupled with Naif Alrajhi Investment’s diversified portfolio, positions the parternships to drive economic growth and redefine regional advertising standards. 

For brands seeking to leverage this partnership, visit https://srmgms.com/ or contact [email protected]


Saudi gaming industry has promising future, says Qiddiya executive

Updated 48 min 29 sec ago
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Saudi gaming industry has promising future, says Qiddiya executive

  • Mike Milanov said that the industry had surpassed the combined industries of film, television, music and sports worldwide
  • Milanov added that Saudi Arabia had talented teams with strong skills in esports and game development

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned for a highly promising future in the gaming sector, which is valued at $323 billion globally, according to the head of gaming at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya.

Mike Milanov, the company’s head of gaming and esports, spoke during the session “The Global Era of Gaming: How It Became the New Frontier for Media and Entertainment” at the Saudi Media Forum 2026 in Riyadh.

The industry, he said, had surpassed the combined industries of film, television, music and sports worldwide and was growing globally at an annual rate of 3 percent to 9 percent, expected to reach about $623 billion by 2035

He added that future generations held different perspectives and levels of engagement, as gaming represented a form of digital advancement and a powerful tool for connection.

Milanov also highlighted how Saudi Arabia had talented teams with strong skills in esports and game development, along with significant creative and innovative energy that supported building relationships both locally and globally.

He further noted that Qiddiya City spanned nearly 330 sq. km, and that more than 86 percent of Saudis identified themselves as gamers, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as one of the world’s largest gaming and esports markets.

Karen Starr, vice president of marketing, branding and creative at Activision Publishing, also spoke during the panel and emphasized the major role gaming played across social media platforms.

She described this influence as positive for brand building, especially given the young audiences that followed gaming brands.

Starr added that the sustainability of major gaming brands depended on continuous engagement, community-building, and adapting content locally to maintain cultural relevance.

She explained that gaming had evolved into an ongoing media experience based on constant interaction and long-term audience connection.

She also said that gaming today had become a global media force that had surpassed traditional channels, shaping culture, content and audience engagement over time.

Meanwhile, Shelley Williams, executive vice president of sales at F1 Arcade Simulation, spoke about how gaming experiences were built on a sense of belonging and participation, which helped to create stronger infrastructure and extended media experiences.

She said that shared audience experiences opened the door to new ecosystems and further game development, supporting long-term content sustainability.