40 Saudi Media Leaders Complete International Training Program in London

The Saudi Media Academy, affiliated with the Ministry of Media, has concluded an international training program in London focused on strategic leadership and institutional transformation in the media sector.

Titled “Strategic Leadership and Institutional Transformation in Media,” the program formed the first phase of the academy’s “Media Leaders” track and was designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and prepare media executives for the industry’s rapidly changing environment.

The program was delivered in cooperation with London Business School, which was ranked first globally for executive education programs by the Financial Times in 2026.

24 Hours of Intensive Training

Over three days, 40 leaders from the government and private sectors took part in a 24-hour intensive program combining academic instruction with practical learning.

The training included lectures and interactive workshops delivered by six international experts and trainers.

Its focus included strengthening leadership effectiveness in dealing with different challenges and situations, improving decision-making in changing circumstances and enhancing participants’ ability to manage institutional transformation.

The program also placed significant emphasis on the use of artificial intelligence in communications and media, reflecting the growing role of emerging technologies in reshaping the industry.

Artificial Intelligence at the Core of Media Leadership

The inclusion of artificial intelligence in the curriculum reflects the growing need for media leaders to understand and manage technologies that are becoming increasingly embedded in the media production and communications cycle.

Rather than focusing solely on technical applications, the program examined how AI can support communications, strengthen media presence and help leaders make more effective decisions in an increasingly dynamic environment.

Participants also explored the importance of maintaining a strong institutional presence with media organizations and the public.

Visits to Leading British Media Organizations

The program also included field visits to two prominent British media organizations, giving participants an opportunity to connect leadership concepts with real-world media operations.

During their visit to The Times headquarters, participants explored contemporary digital transformation models used by news organizations and examined how established media institutions are adapting to changing audience behavior and the expansion of digital platforms.

The group also visited The Sunday Times, where they learned about its experience in developing media business models and growth strategies, as well as approaches to strengthening the long-term sustainability of media organizations.

The visits provided direct exposure to international media practices and offered participants an opportunity to examine how leading organizations respond to technological, commercial and audience-driven changes.

Investing in Media Leadership

The program is part of the broader “Media Leaders” track and reflects the growing emphasis on developing leadership capabilities across Saudi Arabia’s media sector.

The need for such capabilities has increased as media organizations move from traditional operating models toward technology- and data-driven ecosystems increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

Effective media leadership now requires more than editorial expertise. Leaders must also be capable of managing organizational change, understanding audiences, developing sustainable business models and adopting emerging technologies.

The combination of strategic leadership, decision-making, communication and transformation skills can help media executives respond more effectively to a rapidly evolving industry.

London Business School Certificates

The program concluded with participants receiving certificates accredited by London Business School following completion of the intensive training.

By combining executive education, interactive workshops and field exposure to leading international media organizations, the program offered participants a comprehensive perspective on leadership, digital transformation and media business development.

As Saudi Arabia’s media sector continues to evolve, developing leaders capable of combining strategic vision, technological innovation, audience understanding and institutional sustainability will remain increasingly important to shaping the future of the industry.