SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh
Saudi Media Forum President Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi met with a group of high-profile international experts and industry leaders in Riyadh to explore strategic collaborations and innovative content production opportunities that align with Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision of becoming a global media powerhouse. Al-Harthi emphasised Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering a dynamic media ecosystem, highlighting the investment in accelerators, incubators and production funds designed to support international partnerships. 'The future of media is built on collaboration, innovation and cross-border content creation. We are excited to work with global leaders to shape a new era of storytelling,' he commented.
The meeting also addressed the importance of AI in content creation, the evolving landscape of streaming platforms and the role of the Kingdom as a hub for global media projects. There was a lot of enthusiasm about potential partnerships, particularly in film, animation and immersive media experiences.
This dialogue marks a significant step in strengthening Saudi Arabia's position in the global media industry, paving the way for co-productions, content distribution agreements and knowledge exchange between local and international players.
Maya Shokor, Key Account Manager, FGC
FGC took a prominent spot at FOMEX because we play an integral role in the Saudi and regional market. FGC primarily operates in the broadcasting and TV sector, working with some of the most prominent clients in the region. Our portfolio includes industry leaders like MBC, Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA), Bloomberg and Asharq, as well as major corporate clients.
Broadcasting is expanding beyond traditional media, and we're seeing a growing demand from corporate sectors. Companies like Aramco and SABIC are now setting up their own studios, which is a trend we're actively supporting.
As the first and biggest local systems integrator in Saudi Arabia, FGC enjoys a distinct advantage. Unlike international competitors, we've been deeply embedded in the industry from the start. We've grown alongside our clients, adapting to technological shifts and pushing them to evolve with us. For example, we've been instrumental in modernising SBA and Bahrain TV. We've led their transition into the new IP-based ST2110 infrastructure.
There is a lot of competition now but we're also constantly improving our services, strengthening our teams and reminding clients why having a Saudi-based integrator matters. International firms may open an office here but they lack on-the-ground support. Our team is here, our engineers are here and our technology is here. That kind of immediate access and support is something global competitors can't replicate.
We're also one of the largest systems integrators in the region. In our office alone, we have around 2,600 employees across various business units. If you factor in our facility management division, which handles maintenance, that number exceeds 3,600 people. Our scale allows us to support clients in every aspect, from civil engineering to broadcasting, facility management and maintenance. This is why FGC remains a leader in the industry. We're not just keeping up with change, we're driving it.
Amrit Pandrangi, Division Head (Optical Devices), Fujifilm Middle East
The minister came by and we gave him a full demo at our booth. We were really happy to have been able to do that. We have a lot of clients in Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Broadcasting Authority is one of our most high-profile clients. A lot of production houses in Saudi use our technology as well.
The highlight of our stand was the Fujinon Duvo 24- 300, a native PL mount lens. This is a dual format, which means it's both large format but also offers native Super 35mm sensor coverage. Sensors equivalent to full-frame can be covered via the built-in expander. This function expands the lens' image circle by 1.5x, maintaining the same optical quality and angle of view. We believe this is the future of broadcast, where we start getting cinematic quality shots, but with familiar broadcast server operation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
13 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed issues new law starting January 2026
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued legislation establishing a framework for settling disputes arising from citizen housing building contracts in Dubai. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, creates an alternative dispute resolution system designed to resolve construction-related conflicts before they reach litigation. Mohammed bin Rashid issues a law on the settlement of disputes arising from the execution of citizen housing building contracts in Dubai. This measure aims to enhance citizen well-being and ensure social stability by swiftly and efficiently resolving disputes without hindering… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 21, 2025 Under the new legislation, Dubai Courts' Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will establish a branch dedicated to handling disputes from citizen home building contract execution, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. Sheikh Mohammed establishes alternative dispute system for Dubai citizen housing contracts The resolution process begins with mediation, which must be completed within 20 days. This period can be extended for another 20 days if both parties consent. Mediators with construction expertise will manage these sessions. When mediation proves unsuccessful, a committee comprising one judge and two construction specialists will make binding decisions within 30 days. The committee head can extend this period for an additional 30 days if circumstances require. Parties retain the right to appeal committee decisions to the Court of First Instance, with appeals must be filed within 30 days of the committee's ruling. The law targets the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms while protecting the interests of all contracting parties. The legislation provides dispute resolution pathways that avoid traditional litigation delays. The framework also promotes continuity in contractual relationships through negotiated settlements. Construction projects can proceed without interruption while disputes undergo resolution, ensuring homes reach completion and delivery according to schedule. The measure forms part of broader efforts to enhance citizen well-being and maintain social stability through efficient dispute resolution mechanisms that support housing development projects. The law becomes effective on January 1, 2026.
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Ruler approves allocation of 690 land plots for citizens in Khor Fakkan
Sharjah's Ruler on Monday approved the allocation of 690 land plots for Emirati citizens, furthering efforts to support local development and housing. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, directed the Department of Planning and Survey to allocate the plots of land to citizens living in Khor Fakkan. The new directive includes 180 residential plots, 450 industrial plots, and 60 commercial plots in the Al Harai area. Work is already underway to level the land, with plans to distribute the plots to eligible beneficiaries within two months. As part of the development, a public park will also be constructed in the area to enhance community facilities. This announcement follows a similar initiative from November last year, when the Sharjah Ruler approved 160 plots for Khor Fakkan residents — 80 commercial plots along Harai Road and 80 industrial plots. Priority was given to citizens holding commercial and industrial licenses. Housing initiatives The announcement also comes on the heels of a broader housing support programme recently approved by the Ruler of Sharjah, endorsing Dh335 million in funding to assist critical housing cases across the emirate. A total of 431 families will benefit from this phase of the housing programme, all of whom fall under urgent housing needs. Earlier this year, on June 9, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved Dh100 million in compensation for owners of old homes in Al Madam who had previously been allocated new residences. He had previously approved a sum of Dh250,000 for each of the 200 owners whose old homes were replaced. Similarly, on January 21, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved the disbursement of Dh15 million to resolve construction delays affecting 70 government homes for Emirati citizens, following a temporary suspension of the project.
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
More than 152,000 Emiratis employed in private sector by end of June: MoHRE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that the number of Emiratis working in the private sector has surpassed 152,000, employed across 29,000 companies as of 30th June 2025 – the deadline set for achieving Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year. In a statement, the Ministry affirmed that the success of Emiratisation efforts in the private sector demonstrates the effectiveness of Emiratisation policies and the Nafis programme, guided by the vision and directives of the UAE's wise leadership. These efforts are delivering a notable positive impact, as evidenced by the rise in the number of Emiratis taking up private-sector jobs. The results also paint private-sector employment in a positive light for Emirati talent, boosting their competitiveness, highlighting the added value they bring, and emphasising their contributions towards the sustainability and growth of their companies. These accomplishments are in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC). MoHRE went on to note that the continuous, record-breaking increase in the number of UAE citizens employed in the private sector reflects the sustainability of the country's economic growth. This is further demonstrated by the entry of new companies into the national labour market, marking a 33% growth in the total number of establishments over the past year, enabled by the UAE's pioneering and sustainable development model and ongoing efforts to promote a world-class business environment. Furthermore, the Ministry applauded private-sector companies targeted by Emiratisation policies for their cooperation with regulations and decisions, which indicates their awareness of their responsibilities in that regard, and their role in supporting the UAE's strategic economic plans and sustainability-driven vision to strengthen Emirati talents' contribution to the national economy. This, in turn, boosts labour market competitiveness by driving sustainability, efficiency, and flexibility, spearheaded by a strong national labour force. MoHRE asserted its commitment to preserving the progress achieved in the Emiratisation mandate, through sustained partnership with the private sector. The Ministry will continue to offer incentives to companies that comply with Emiratisation targets, including the privileges provided by the Nafis programme with its variety of initiatives and benefits. Emirati citizens are currently employed across six main economic sectors, namely business services, financial intermediation, trade, repair services, construction, and manufacturing, among others. They hold positions in scientific, technical, and humanitarian disciplines, including roles such as specialists, managers, and administrative staff. The Ministry is looking forward to further progress on the Emiratisation front in the second half of 2025, targeting a 1% increase in the number of Emiratis employed in skilled positions among companies with 50 or more employees. Additionally, companies operating in 14 specified economic activities and employing 20-49 workers in a suitable work environment are required to hire at least one Emirati by the end of the year.
