Saudi Arabia chaired the 115th meeting of the Executive Council of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) in Hammamet, Tunisia, on Sunday, September 21, 2026, reinforcing its leadership in regional media cooperation and technological innovation. The session was led by Mohammed Alharthi, ASBU President and Chairman of the Saudi Media Forum, and attended by ASBU Director General Abdulrahim Suleiman, First Vice-President Mohammed Al-Awash, and heads of Arab broadcasters and delegations. The meeting reviewed the union’s achievements over the past year and set the stage for the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival, which begins Monday with a delegation from the Saudi Broadcasting Authority.
Context and Background
The Arab States Broadcasting Union, a specialized Arab League organization, coordinates broadcasting activities across the region. Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship of the Executive Council reflects its central role in advancing joint Arab media action. The 115th meeting provided a platform to assess progress in program exchanges, news coverage, training, and digital infrastructure. It also highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological changes, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in media production and distribution.
Key Details
In his opening remarks, Alharthi noted significant progress across ASBU’s activities despite global media challenges. He emphasized the transformative impact of AI and new production tools, calling for adaptation and the strategic use of data and modern technologies. Alharthi highlighted advancements in data management, technology, and digital infrastructure, achieved in cooperation with member broadcasters. He praised the ASBU Media Training Academy for its high-quality programs, which are continuously updated to meet the evolving needs of the Arab audiovisual sector. A presentation detailed the union’s efforts in news and program exchanges, coverage of major events, satellite technology developments, and the integration of AI into ASBU Cloud.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this meeting underscores its commitment to fostering regional collaboration and innovation. The focus on AI and cloud platforms positions ASBU to enhance content sharing and operational efficiency among Arab broadcasters. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to strengthen the region’s media capabilities, enabling member states to better compete in a rapidly changing global media landscape. The upcoming Arab Radio and Television Festival will further showcase the collective achievements and future directions of Arab broadcasting.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This engagement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and digital transformation. By championing technological advancement in media, Saudi Arabia supports the growth of a knowledge-based economy and enhances its global soft power. The Kingdom’s active role in ASBU reflects its dedication to regional stability and prosperity, contributing to a vibrant media sector that amplifies Arab voices on the world stage.
20 Questions
Q1. What event did Saudi Arabia chair on September 21, 2026?
A1. Saudi Arabia chaired the 115th meeting of the Executive Council of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) in Hammamet, Tunisia, on September 21, 2026.
Q2. Who led the meeting as ASBU President?
A2. Mohammed Alharthi, ASBU President and Chairman of the Saudi Media Forum, led the meeting.
Q3. Where was the meeting held?
A3. The meeting was held in Hammamet, Tunisia.
Q4. What other event begins on Monday?
A4. The 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival begins on Monday.
Q5. Which Saudi delegation is participating?
A5. A delegation from the Saudi Broadcasting Authority is participating in the Executive Council meetings and the festival.
Q6. What did Alharthi say about ASBU’s progress?
A6. He noted notable progress and positive developments across ASBU’s activities and achievements despite challenges facing the media sector.
Q7. What technological development did Alharthi highlight?
A7. He highlighted the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and new tools in media production, creating a new environment requiring adaptation.
Q8. What did Alharthi stress regarding data and technology?
A8. He stressed the importance of leveraging data and modern technologies across all forms of media.
Q9. What areas of progress did Alharthi mention?
A9. He mentioned progress in data management, technology, and digital infrastructure, in cooperation with broadcasters.
Q10. How are ASBU’s technological efforts being advanced?
A10. Through training programs, particularly in cloud platforms and the integration of AI into ASBU Cloud.
Q11. What did Alharthi praise about the ASBU Media Training Academy?
A11. He praised the quality of its training programs and their continued development in line with the needs of the Arab audiovisual sector.
Q12. What did the meeting’s presentation cover?
A12. It covered news and program exchanges, coverage of major events, training and investment, technological developments in satellite, and ASBU Cloud developments.
Q13. Who else attended the meeting?
A13. ASBU Director General Abdulrahim Suleiman, First Vice-President Mohammed Al-Awash, and heads of Arab member broadcasters and delegations attended.
Q14. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia chairing this meeting?
A14. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in regional media cooperation and its commitment to advancing joint Arab media action.
Q15. How does AI impact media production according to Alharthi?
A15. AI and new tools are creating a new environment that requires the media sector to adapt and leverage data and modern technologies.
Q16. What is ASBU Cloud?
A16. ASBU Cloud is a digital platform that integrates AI and cloud technologies to enhance broadcasting operations and content sharing among member states.
Q17. What role does the Saudi Broadcasting Authority play?
A17. It represents Saudi Arabia in ASBU meetings and the Arab Radio and Television Festival, contributing to regional media collaboration.
Q18. How does this meeting align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A18. It supports digital transformation and economic diversification, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global soft power and knowledge-based economy.
Q19. What are the expected outcomes of the meeting?
A19. Strengthened regional media capabilities, enhanced content sharing, and improved operational efficiency among Arab broadcasters through technology and training.
Q20. What is the Arab Radio and Television Festival?
A20. It is a regional event showcasing broadcasting achievements, fostering collaboration, and discussing future directions in Arab media.
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