The Saudi Media Academy, part of the Ministry of Media, has launched an exciting new initiative called the Media Leaders Track. This first phase of the program is being held in Switzerland through an intensive training program focused on global event management. The program is a unique opportunity for professionals and creatives to gain hands-on experience in planning, organizing, and managing major events.

The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with EHL Hospitality Business School, which is recognized as the world’s top university for hospitality management according to the QS World University Rankings. The partnership between the Saudi Media Academy and EHL aims to combine international expertise with Saudi talent to create a powerful platform for learning and development in the media field.

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Signing of the MoU Marks Official Launch

The official launch of the Media Leaders Track was marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Saudi Media Academy and EHL. The signing ceremony was attended by several key figures, including the Assistant Minister of Media and the academy’s Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Maghlouth, along with other senior officials.

The MoU reflects the academy’s commitment to international collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and culture with top global academic institutions. The partnership is aligned with the Ministry of Media’s vision to support and empower national talent, ensuring that Saudi professionals are equipped with world-class skills to compete on the international stage.

Academy Chief Executive Khalid Zain Al-Abdeen and EHL Associate Dean of Executive Education Programs Stéphane Haddad were the key signatories of the MoU, symbolizing a strong partnership between Saudi Arabia and one of the most prestigious hospitality and event management schools in the world.

Structure of the Training Program

The training camp in Switzerland spans five full days of intensive learning and hands-on experience. It is designed to provide participants with practical skills that are crucial for organizing and managing large-scale events.

Some of the main features of the program include:

• Workshops led by international experts: Participants attend sessions conducted by professionals with extensive global experience in media, events, and hospitality management.

• Site visits to world-class institutions: Learners get to explore renowned event venues, conference centers, and hospitality organizations to understand real-world operations.

• Focus on team leadership and audience engagement: The program teaches participants how to lead teams effectively, engage audiences, and create memorable experiences for attendees of major events.

This hands-on approach ensures that participants are not just learning theory but are also practicing the skills needed to succeed in high-pressure and high-profile media and event settings.

Part of a Four-Stage Training Track

The Media Leaders Track is only the first phase of a broader four-stage training initiative by the Saudi Media Academy. The stages include:

1. Practical Training in Switzerland: Focused on global event management, as currently underway.

2. Specialized Digital Advertising Course in Riyadh: Participants will learn about digital media, advertising strategies, and online campaign management.

3. International Media Camp in Singapore: This phase will offer global exposure, networking opportunities, and further training in media leadership and management.

4. Advanced Course in Leadership Communication Strategies: The final phase will focus on enhancing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and communication excellence for high-level media professionals.

Together, these four phases provide a comprehensive pathway for developing skilled media leaders who can manage national and international media events with expertise.

Target Audience and Goals

The program is designed to target a wide range of professionals and creatives from different sectors. Its main goals are:

• Elevating media presence: Helping participants build a strong and professional media presence in national and international platforms.

• Enhancing management of national media events: Teaching effective strategies to organize, plan, and execute major media events in Saudi Arabia.

• Strengthening Saudi representation globally: Preparing Saudi media professionals to represent the country at international forums and conferences.

By achieving these goals, the program contributes directly to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes talent development, knowledge sharing, and global engagement across all sectors, including media and communications.

Hands-On Learning Experience

The five-day program is not just about classroom learning. Participants gain practical experience that prepares them for real-life challenges. They are trained in:

• Event Planning and Organization: Learning the step-by-step process of planning events, from concept to execution.

• Team Management: Developing leadership skills to lead diverse teams successfully.

• Audience Engagement: Understanding how to create experiences that capture and retain the audience’s attention.

• Problem-Solving: Learning to handle challenges and unexpected situations during major events.

The combination of workshops, site visits, and interactive sessions ensures that participants leave the program with both knowledge and confidence to manage large-scale media events effectively.

Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

The Media Leaders Track is an important initiative that reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing national talent in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The program supports the kingdom’s vision of developing skilled professionals who can lead in global forums, enhance Saudi Arabia’s international presence, and contribute to a thriving media industry at home.

By partnering with leading institutions like EHL, the Saudi Media Academy is ensuring that participants have access to world-class training and international best practices. This initiative not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the media sector as a whole, making it more professional, innovative, and competitive on a global scale.

Future Opportunities

The Media Leaders Track is just the beginning of a larger strategy to develop media talent in Saudi Arabia. Future programs and phases will continue to focus on digital media, international exposure, and leadership development, ensuring that participants are fully prepared for the demands of modern media management.

By participating in this program, Saudi professionals and creatives gain a unique opportunity to learn from global experts, network with peers from different sectors, and apply innovative strategies in their work. This will ultimately enhance the quality and impact of Saudi media events and initiatives worldwide.

The launch of the Media Leaders Track by the Saudi Media Academy is a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s media and talent development landscape. Through collaboration with EHL Hospitality Business School, the program provides intensive, hands-on training in global event management and leadership skills. It represents the first of four stages in a comprehensive training track aimed at preparing Saudi media professionals for both national and international success.

By empowering local talent, promoting international collaboration, and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, the program strengthens Saudi Arabia’s media sector and enhances the kingdom’s presence on the global stage. Professionals and creatives participating in the program are gaining valuable knowledge, practical skills, and international exposure that will shape the future of Saudi media leadership.