Saudi Arabia’s media sector enters new phase of expansion supported by Vision 2030 reforms

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, March 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Oxford Business Group in partnership with the General Authority of Media Regulation (Gmedia) release new report on investment opportunities across the Kingdom’s evolving media ecosystem


A report examining the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s media sector was launched at the Saudi Media Forum, a flagship industry event bringing together senior government officials, global media leaders and investors, by global research and advisory firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) in partnership with the General Authority of Media Regulation (Gmedia). Titled, "The State of the Media Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Opportunities for Investment 2025," the publication analyses how regulation, digital adoption and demographic shifts are creating new opportunities across video, audio, publishing and digital media, gaming and e-sports, and advertising and marketing.


The report finds that the sector is entering a period of sustained expansion, with GDP contribution forecast to rise from SR16bn ($4.3bn) in 2024 to SR47bn ($12.5bn) by 2030. This growth is being driven by improvements in digital infrastructure, a young and highly connected population, and targeted public and private investment. It also identifies prospects in content production, studio and event infrastructure, distribution platforms and data-led monetisation models, supported by ongoing efforts to streamline licensing processes, strengthen intellectual property protection and modernise regulatory frameworks.


The publication highlights emerging opportunities for investors as the Kingdom works to build a more competitive and internationally integrated media ecosystem. At the same time, it highlights significant opportunities for operators to invest in talent development, early-stage capital and local content capacity create opportunities for operators to help build new capabilities aligned with national objectives.

Reflecting on the pace of change, H.E. Salman bin Yousef Al Dossary, Minister of Media and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gmedia, wrote in the report’s foreword that Saudi Arabia’s media sector is becoming a strategic pillar of national transformation.


“Under the banner of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is reshaping its media landscape through modernisation, empowerment and innovation. We are witnessing the emergence of an

ecosystem that keeps pace with the times and aspires to lead them. This report captures the pulse of transformation with precise data and insightful analysis, spotlighting achievements to date and unveiling promising opportunities across strategic domains shaping the future of Saudi media,” he said.


Abdulatif bin Mohammed Al Abdulatif, CEO of Gmedia, underlined the factors positioning Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for investment.


“Saudi Arabia is becoming a central destination for media investment across the region, enabled by strong digital infrastructure, extensive 5G coverage and a young demographic eager for innovation. Legislative and regulatory reforms are opening new horizons for investors through incentives and an innovation-friendly framework that fosters partnerships with the private sector,” he said.


In addition to sector analysis, the report features interviews with industry leaders contributing to the Kingdom’s media transformation, including Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, CEO of Rotana Media Group; Mike Sneesby, CEO of MBC Group; Ibraheem Altamimi, CEO of POWR; Elda Choucair, CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA; Mohammed Al Khereiji, Chairman of Al Arabia and Chairman of SMC Group; Abdulrahman Abumalih, CEO of Thmanyah; and Rawan Al Butairi, CEO of the Saudi E-Sports Federation.


A series of case studies are also included, examining the role of UTURN Entertainment, Thmanyah, Argaam, Savvy Games Group, Pearson, NOB and Foaj Group in supporting ecosystem growth and demonstrating scalable investment models across content creation, digital media, publishing, and gaming and e-sports.


Andrew Jeffreys, OBG’s CEO, said the report provides a timely assessment of how policy reform and demographic trends are shaping future investment flows.


“Saudi Arabia is building an advanced media ecosystem supported by digital maturity and rising private participation. As the sector expands, this report highlights opportunities for investors across content production, streaming, gaming and advertising technology. Our collaboration with Gmedia reflects OBG’s continued commitment to delivering data-led insights on emerging markets undergoing significant transformation,” he said.


The State of the Media Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Opportunities for Investment 2025 was produced by OBG thein partnership with General Authority of Media Regulation. It is now available to view and download at: https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/reports/report-evaluating-sector-trends-and-investment-opportunities-in-saudi-arabia-media-landscape-in-arabic-focus-report/

Marc-André de Blois
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