33 Finalists Shortlisted for the Fourth Edition of the Saudi Media Forum Awards

The Saudi Media Forum has announced 33 finalists shortlisted for its fourth edition awards, recognizing outstanding media work and practices across 11 categories. These include academic research, data journalism, television programs, podcasts, field journalism, communication initiatives, and digital content creation. In the academic research category, the finalists include Amal Mohammed Abu Madini from King Abdulaziz University, for her study "Data Journalism in Saudi Arabia 2032: A Future Outlook." Also nominated is Iman Abdulrahim Al-Sharqawi from Alexandria University, for her research "Experts’ Vision on the Future Role of AI Algorithms in Managing Social Media Posts During Crises (2024-2034)." Dr. Musab bin Umair Al-Omari from Imam Muhammad bin Saud University is also among the finalists for his study on "The Role of Cinema in Saudi Arabia’s Post-Oil Economy." For the podcast category, the finalists include "Historical Session" by Darah (King Abdulaziz Foundation), "After Midnight" by MBC, and "Bakoura" by Nubthah for Media Production. In the data journalism category, finalists include Okaz newspaper for its report "328 Saudi Women Join the Workforce Daily," Independent Arabia for its "History of Things" episode on airstrikes, and Al-Majalla magazine for its special report "Drugs: A Crisis Crossing Borders." For the journalistic report category, the shortlisted works include Ayman Al-Ghubaywi for his report "Riyadh Metro... A Philosophical Journey Just Beginning," Mohammed Al-Saif for "Jamil Al-Baroudi: Saudi Arabia’s Representative and the Most Eloquent Speaker at the UN," and Hani Al-Hijazi for "Using Augmented Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Stadiums Set to Host AFC Asian Cup 2027." In the field journalism category, the finalists are Badr Al-Rubai’an for his report on "Saudi Arabia’s Services to Facilitate Hajj," Mohammed Mahdi Al-Hammadi for "Saudi Arabia’s First Restaurant for the Hearing Impaired," and Mohammed Al-Sadiq for "Ashwaq Al-Qahtani: The Volunteer Who Inspired 38 Families to Name Their Daughters After Her." For the sports TV programs category, the finalists are "Fi Al-Marma" by Al Arabiya, "Doreena Ghair" by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, and "Riyadah Scoop" by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority. In the social talk show category, the shortlisted programs include "Fi Al-Soura" by Rotana, "Sual Mubasher" by Al Arabiya, and "Al-Rasid" by Al-Ekhbariya Saudi Channel. For the documentary TV programs category, the finalists include "Men of King Abdulaziz" by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, "Li Akhir Nafas" by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, and "From Every Deep Valley" by Al Arabiya Network. In the media communication campaigns category, the government sector finalists include "Hajj Without a Permit" by the Ministry of Interior, "Riyadh Reads" by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, and "Sports is the Best Thing" by the Ministry of Sports. For the private sector, the finalists include Manga Productions for its launch campaign of the Saudi anime series "Legends in the Coming Time 2," Manga Arabia for its global campaign "The Road to 2034," and Solutions by STC for its campaign "Saudis... With Every Achievement, We Aim Higher." For the Audience Choice Award for Best Digital Content, which recognizes the most influential social media content creators, the finalists are Iyad Al-Hamoud, Abdullah Al-Saba’a, and Dr. Thawab Al-Subaie (Tourist Tube). The forum allows the public to vote for the winner based on the impact and innovation of their content. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony held during the Saudi Media Forum, where outstanding contributors will be honored for their role in advancing media innovation and excellence. The Saudi Media Forum serves as a platform bringing together leading media professionals and experts to discuss the latest developments in the industry, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the regional and global media landscape.