SRMG-NEOM Collaboration Grows with New Media Training Program

Focusing on digital storytelling skills and lifestyle journalism, the new Arabic-language training course will cover modules such as mobile journalism, photojournalism, and social media
Focusing on digital storytelling skills and lifestyle journalism, the new Arabic-language training course will cover modules such as mobile journalism, photojournalism, and social media
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SRMG-NEOM Collaboration Grows with New Media Training Program

Focusing on digital storytelling skills and lifestyle journalism, the new Arabic-language training course will cover modules such as mobile journalism, photojournalism, and social media
Focusing on digital storytelling skills and lifestyle journalism, the new Arabic-language training course will cover modules such as mobile journalism, photojournalism, and social media

SRMG Academy, the training arm of SRMG, has announced that it was once again partnering with NEOM Media Industries to empower aspiring Saudi journalists, helping them seize the opportunities presented by the technologies and platforms reshaping the industry.

Focusing on digital storytelling skills and lifestyle journalism, the new Arabic-language training course will cover modules such as mobile journalism, photojournalism, and social media, it said.

Demonstrating a shared commitment to elevating journalism in Saudi Arabia, “Master Your Platform” has been meticulously designed to address the ever-evolving demands of contemporary media. Course objectives include mastering the basics of digital storytelling, high-quality content creation utilizing smartphones and search engine optimization.

Students will also explore the rising role of artificial intelligence in content creation, and the principles of consumer journalism. Upon successful completion of the course, a select group of participants will have the opportunity to embark on a two-month paid internship with SRMG’s lifestyle outlets.

Delivered over a four-week period through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, “Master Your Platform” will combine unique in-house and regional expertise with international media trainers. Leading industry experts, including SRMG Academy Managing Director Alaa Shahine Salha, and Nada alshaibani, Head of NEOM digital Media Academy, will be part of the team of experts delivering the course.

"Master Your Platform" will build upon the successful collaboration between SRMG Academy and NEOM, which commenced late last year with the jointly delivered "Stories to Tell" journalism bootcamp. Fifteen bright Saudi journalism graduates were selected for internships at SRMG’s prestigious platforms, with several of them securing full-time jobs and full-time freelancing opportunities at outlets including Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Majalla, Akhbar24 and SRMG’s communications team.

SRMG and NEOM Industry Learning, educational and training arm of NEOM industries, entertainment, culture sector have solidified their collaboration by signing an agreement outlining their intent to partner across numerous pioneering initiatives, including localized content creation and investments in media infrastructure. SRMG Academy’s latest training course exemplifies its commitment to nurturing talent, enhancing skills, and driving the advancement of the media and communication sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.



Maldives President Holds Record 15-hour Press Conference

This handout photograph taken and released by the Maldives President Office on May 3, 2025 shows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu speaking during a marathon press conference in Male. (Photo by Maldives President Office / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by the Maldives President Office on May 3, 2025 shows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu speaking during a marathon press conference in Male. (Photo by Maldives President Office / AFP)
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Maldives President Holds Record 15-hour Press Conference

This handout photograph taken and released by the Maldives President Office on May 3, 2025 shows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu speaking during a marathon press conference in Male. (Photo by Maldives President Office / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by the Maldives President Office on May 3, 2025 shows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu speaking during a marathon press conference in Male. (Photo by Maldives President Office / AFP)

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addressed a press conference for nearly 15 hours, his office said on Sunday, claiming it broke a previous record held by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
Muizzu, 46, began the marathon press conference at 10:00 am (0500 GMT) on Saturday, and it continued for 14 hours and 54 minutes with brief pauses for prayers, his office said in a statement.
"The conference extended past midnight -- a new world record by a president -- with President Muizzu continuously responding to questions from journalists," the statement said.
In October 2019, Ukraine's National Records Agency claimed that Zelensky's 14-hour press conference had broken an earlier record of over seven hours held by Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko, AFP said.
The government of the Indian Ocean archipelago said Muizzu's extended session was also intended to coincide with World Press Freedom Day on Saturday.
"He acknowledged the crucial role of the press in society and emphasized the importance of factual, balanced, and impartial reporting," the statement added.
During the lengthy session, Muizzu also responded to questions submitted by members of the public via journalists.
The statement said Muizzu, who came to power in 2023, was also marking his island nation's rise by two places to 104th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
During Saturday's session, he answered a wide range of questions, the statement said.
Around two dozen reporters attended and were served food.
A predecessor of Muizzu set another world record by holding the first-ever underwater cabinet meeting in 2009, to highlight the threat of rising sea levels that could swamp the low-lying nation.
Former president Mohamed Nasheed plunged into the Indian Ocean followed by his ministers, all in scuba gear, for a nationally televised meeting.
The Maldives is on the frontline of the battle against global warming, which could raise sea levels and swamp the nation of 1,192 tiny coral islands scattered across the equator.