Riyadh: The Ministry of Media is taking part in LEAP 2026 conference and exhibition, held under the theme 'Into New Worlds' at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center (RECC) in Malham from August 30 to September 1. Its participation in the event's fifth edition covers several tracks, including digital transformation, media service development, and stronger strategic partnerships and technological cooperation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry kicked off its participation by hosting the government press conference ahead of the global tech event, featuring Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha. The minister highlighted the latest achievements and developments in telecommunications, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as key partnerships, investments and emerging technologies expected at LEAP 2026.
As part of efforts to develop and unify digital services across the media ecosystem, and under the supervision of Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, the Ministry of Media launched the Ealam platform during LEAP 2026. The platform serves as a unified sector-wide portal for media ecosystem services as part of the Kingdom's digital government efforts. The platform brings the sector's digital services together through a single portal under the Ealam.sa domain, helping unify the beneficiary experience, improve service efficiency, and optimize the use of resources.
It also allows users to log in through the national access system and complete services through a streamlined digital journey. The platform further supports the rationalization of technology spending and the unification of digital infrastructure, while enhancing operational sustainability and compliance with cybersecurity and data protection standards.
The launch ceremony was attended by Vice Minister of Media Dr. Abdullah Al-Maghlouth; Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat; Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al Mushaiti; Governor of the Digital Government Authority Ahmed Alsuwaiyan; Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Altouq; and CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority Hisham Aljadhey. 'True innovation does not always mean adding something new. Sometimes, it means removing what is no longer necessary,' Al-Maghlouth stated during the event.
'From here, I am pleased to announce the launch of Ealam, the unified platform for media ecosystem services,' Al-Maghlouth said. He added that the platform 'will gradually take us from 22 platforms to one, bringing together the services of the Ministry of Media, the Saudi Press Agency, the General Authority of Media Regulation, and the Saudi Broadcasting Authority in a single digital experience.'
Al-Maghlouth described the platform as 'a source of pride' as it had been designed and developed entirely by Saudi talent from the Ministry of Media. These national professionals completed the transition from the initial idea to an operational platform in just 75 days, he added.
In recognition of the media ecosystem's efforts, the Ministry of Media was honored as one of the Saudi Data and AI Authority's (SDAIA) partners in success, among 62 government entities. The recognition followed the completion of the integration of its services into the national super app Tawakkalna. The recognition was presented during a ceremony held on the sidelines of LEAP 2026.
The ministry was honored for its efforts to raise the media profile of the Tawakkalna app, promote awareness of its services, and communicate its messages and services to beneficiaries. It was also recognized for strengthening media integration with government entities and supporting national digital initiatives and platforms, helping to raise awareness of available services and expand their reach across different beneficiary segments.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials and dignitaries, with Ahmed Alrashdi, who oversees the Ministry of Media's IT general department within its digital transformation agency, receiving the award on the ministry's behalf.
As part of its strategic agreements and partnerships, the Ministry of Media signed a strategic framework agreement with Etihad Etisalat (Mobily), in the presence of Al-Maghlouth and Mobily CEO Nezar Banabeela. The agreement aims to plan and manage technology resources, improve operational efficiency, strengthen the protection of assets and systems, and enhance readiness for risk response. It also covers the assessment, development, and design of digital platforms, solutions, and emerging technologies.
The ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with Nutanix Middle East and North Africa Regional Headquarters to support digital transformation and the development of technology infrastructure. The agreement also aims to strengthen business continuity and cybersecurity, build national capabilities, and enable technological innovation.
The Ministry of Media's participation in LEAP 2026 reflects its drive to expand the use of digital solutions and emerging technologies across the media sector. The ministry is also committed to strengthening integration with government entities and the technology sector, helping develop media services and improve their efficiency.
