ImpaQ Forum Kicks Off in Diriyah with Global Influencers and Experts

The Impact Makers Forum (ImpaQ) officially opened in Diriyah on December 18, 2024, under the patronage of Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, drawing influencers, experts, and content creators from around the globe. The two-day event, hosted at the Diriyah Arena, marks the largest gathering of its kind in the Kingdom, with over 1,500 guests and a digital audience exceeding one million viewers via live stream.

Context and Background

ImpaQ Forum takes place in Diriyah, a historic city near Riyadh that is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and cultural revival under Vision 2030. The forum is designed to celebrate and harness the power of influence across diverse fields, from digital media to community engagement. By bringing together international and local influencers, the event positions the Kingdom as a global hub for creativity and innovation, aligning with broader efforts to diversify the economy and promote soft power.

Key Details

The forum spans a 23,000-square-meter venue, featuring three main areas: Innovation Space for panel discussions and major events, Impact Space where influencers share inspirational experiences, and Lab Space for creative and technical workshops. Over 40 activities are scheduled across 14 areas of influence, including media, artificial intelligence, sports, tourism, and culture. More than 30,000 visitors are expected, with international influencers participating in special tours organized in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority to showcase the Kingdom’s appeal.

In his opening speech, Minister Al-Dossary emphasized the transformative power of influence, stating: “The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is a vision that has inspired the world and created impact.” He added that influence is not limited to platforms and screens but is found in everyday interactions, celebrating the role of community figures.

International Impact

The debut of ImpaQ Forum signals Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global conversations about digital influence and content creation. By attracting international participants, the event fosters cross-cultural exchange and positions the Kingdom as a leader in leveraging influence for economic and social development. The collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority also highlights how the forum serves as a platform to promote tourism and cultural heritage to a global audience.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the ImpaQ Forum?

A1. The ImpaQ Forum, or Impact Makers Forum, is a major event in Diriyah that gathers influencers, experts, and content creators to discuss and celebrate the power of influence across various sectors.

Q2. Who inaugurated the forum?

A2. The forum was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, who delivered an opening speech emphasizing the role of influence in community and economic development.

Q3. Where is the forum being held?

A3. The forum is being held at the Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, a historic site near Riyadh that is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 cultural initiatives.

Q4. How many guests attended the opening?

A4. Over 1,500 guests attended the opening ceremony at the Diriyah Arena, representing a diverse mix of local and international participants.

Q5. What is the size of the forum venue?

A5. The forum venue covers 23,000 square meters, featuring three main areas: Innovation Space, Impact Space, and Lab Space for various activities.

Q6. How many activities are planned at the forum?

A6. Over 40 diverse activities are planned across 14 areas of influence, including media, artificial intelligence, sports, tourism, and culture.

Q7. How many visitors are expected at the forum?

A7. More than 30,000 visitors are expected over the two-day event, making it a leading platform for networking and knowledge exchange.

Q8. What is the “Butterfly Effect” performance?

A8. The “Butterfly Effect” is a modern theatrical performance featured during the opening ceremony, celebrating the forum’s message of influence and its impact on various fields.

Q9. What did Minister Al-Dossary say about Vision 2030?

A9. Minister Al-Dossary stated that Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is a vision that has inspired the world and created impact, linking the forum to national goals.

Q10. How is the Saudi Tourism Authority involved?

A10. The Saudi Tourism Authority collaborates with the forum by organizing special tours for international influencers to showcase Saudi Arabia’s uniqueness and appeal.

Q11. What is the Innovation Space?

A11. The Innovation Space is one of the three main areas of the forum, hosting panel discussions and major events focused on forward-thinking ideas and developments.

Q12. What does the Impact Space offer?

A12. The Impact Space allows influencers to share their inspirational experiences and success stories with attendees, fostering a collaborative environment.

Q13. What is the Lab Space for?

A13. The Lab Space is dedicated to conducting creative and technical workshops, enabling participants to engage in hands-on learning and skill development.

Q14. How many digital viewers watched the opening?

A14. The opening ceremony was digitally streamed to over one million viewers, expanding its reach beyond in-person attendees.

Q15. What areas of influence are covered at the forum?

A15. The forum covers 14 areas of influence, including media, artificial intelligence, sports, tourism, culture, and more, reflecting a broad spectrum of modern impact.

Q16. Why is Diriyah significant for this event?

A16. Diriyah is a historic city and a symbol of Saudi heritage, being developed as a cultural and tourism hub under Vision 2030, making it a fitting venue for a global forum.

Q17. What is the goal of ImpaQ Forum?

A17. The goal is to celebrate and harness influence to foster creativity, innovation, and community and economic development, in line with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic priorities.

Q18. How does the forum promote global engagement?

A18. By attracting international influencers and experts, the forum promotes cross-cultural dialogue and positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for inspiration and innovation.

Q19. What types of activities are at the forum?

A19. Activities include panel discussions, workshops, inspirational talks, and networking sessions, designed to engage participants and encourage knowledge sharing.

Q20. When does the forum conclude?

A20. The forum is a two-day event, concluding on December 19, 2024, with a packed agenda of discussions and interactive sessions.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The ImpaQ Forum directly supports Vision 2030 by fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and global engagement that positions Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for talent and ideas. By celebrating influence in its many forms, the forum contributes to economic diversification, tourism promotion, and the development of a vibrant society, all key pillars of the Kingdom’s long-term vision. The event’s success underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging its human capital and international partnerships for sustained growth and global leadership.

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