Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spoke to fans at an event in Riyadh this week. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spoke to fans at an event in Riyadh this week. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit
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Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 12 November 2024

Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit
  • The duo are in the Kingdom’s capital to promote epic saga ‘Kanguva,’ in theaters on Nov. 14

RIYADH: Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spent time with fans and members of the press to promote their new film “Kanguva” in Riyadh.

They are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital and interact with local fans of their work.

“Kanguva” is an epic fantasy action film directed by Siva, starring Suriya, Deol, and Disha Patani, which hits the Kingdom’s theaters on Nov. 14.




Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (Supplied)

Speaking to fans at an event in Riyadh this week, Deol expressed his appreciation for fans in . “Today I am here with all of you, and so many of you. I am happy to be here among you all. I love you, Suriya loves you, we all love you for so much of your love and compassion,” he said.

Speaking about his first visit to Riyadh, Deol added: “I feel so happy that our people live here and are liked by the host country. I am glad to see you all. It’s your energy, it’s your love that gives us strength, and whatever we are today, it’s because of your love.

“So, thank you so much for having us here today.”

HIGHLIGHT

Bobby Deol and Suriya are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital to promote their film.

Suriya is in Riyadh for the first time for the film’s promotion.

The style icon told Arab News: “I am happy to be among our people living here and to see a lot of transformation going on in the Kingdom, including in the cinema sector, thanks to Vision 2030 — the ambitious plan to transform , diversify its economy and open to the world.




Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)

“It aims to create an ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society that allows citizens and residents to achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations, I am happy to see the transformation,” the actor added.

Suriya and Deol also spoke about sharing the screen in “Kanguva,” admiring each other’s roles and working together.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. He shared his admiration for Suriya, highlighting the powerful presence the actor brings on the screen.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad.

With Suriya in a double role and Deol as a dangerous villain, the film was made with a budget of over $35million and is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.

The film also features Patani as a character connected to both a historical and contemporary timeline. Primarily known for her glamorous roles, action-packed sequences and songs, this role portrays her in a fresh look.


Saudi foreign minister meets US President Donald Trump during Gaza peace summit in Egypt

Saudi foreign minister meets US President Donald Trump during Gaza peace summit in Egypt
Updated 14 October 2025

Saudi foreign minister meets US President Donald Trump during Gaza peace summit in Egypt

Saudi foreign minister meets US President Donald Trump during Gaza peace summit in Egypt
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan also holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as leaders from the around world gather to discuss US-led peace plan
  • It comes as Hamas hands over the remaining 20 living hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israeli authorities release almost 2,000 detained Palestinians

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had separate meetings on Monday with US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as world leaders gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh for a Gaza peace summit.

The assembled leaders discussed a 20-point US-led plan that aims to resolve the conflict and ensure the current, limited truce leads to permanent peace, and signed a declaration designed to help shore up the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

It came as Hamas handed over the remaining 20 living hostages taken during the attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israeli authorities released 1,968 Palestinians they were holding.

The US plan holds out hope that an independent Palestinian state might eventually be established following a lengthy transitional phase and reform of the Palestinian Authority. Earlier on Monday, Trump addressed the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. Israel’s government has backed the US peace proposal, but has repeatedly opposed any suggestion of Palestinian independence.

Prince Faisal was attending the summit on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.


hosts INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025

 hosts INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025
Updated 13 October 2025

hosts INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025

 hosts INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025
  • The event will focus on technological advancements and how law enforcement can address new challenges
  • Delegations from 40 countries and security organizations are participating in the conference at Naif Arab University for Security Sciences

LONDON:  hosted the second INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025 on Monday, a two-day event in Riyadh focused on security challenges and transformation.

Delegations from 40 countries and various regional and international security organizations are participating in the conference taking place at Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization.

The event will focus on the future of policing, technological advancements, and how law enforcement can address new challenges.

Senior Saudi officials attended the event, including Acting Vice Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf.

Dr. Abdulmajeed Albanyan, the president of NAUSS, highlighted the university’s commitment to investing in talent and enhancing security decision-making through various programs and events.

He thanked the Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif for his support and INTERPOL for their collaboration, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Maj Gen. Ahmed Al-Raisi, the president of INTERPOL, said that the security sector is affected by global transformations, which require advanced technical readiness and strategic foresight from police forces around the world.

He added that modern technologies have altered crime dynamics, allowing criminals to utilize artificial intelligence and digital systems to circumvent traditional law enforcement methods, the SPA reported.


Saudi tourism ministry opens new offices to boost services

Saudi tourism ministry opens new offices to boost services
Updated 13 October 2025

Saudi tourism ministry opens new offices to boost services

Saudi tourism ministry opens new offices to boost services
  • Madinah ranks second after Makkah in average length of stay, with visitors spending about four nights

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Tourism has inaugurated new offices in the Makkah and Madinah regions as part of its initiative to improve the efficiency of tourism services, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that the offices would oversee inspections, ensure regulatory compliance, support investors, enhance service quality, coordinate with government entities and provide a more integrated approach to managing tourism services for pilgrims and visitors.

A recent report indicated that tourism is a major economic sector in Madinah, employing 11 percent of the region’s workforce in the first quarter of 2025.

The Madinah Chamber of Commerce’s sectoral report also highlighted strong performance in hospitality, with the highest hotel occupancy rate in the Kingdom during the last quarter of 2024. Serviced apartments recorded an occupancy rate of 48.7 percent, the SPA reported.

Madinah ranks second after Makkah in average length of stay, with visitors spending about four nights. These trends align with Vision 2030’s aim to develop tourism and hospitality as sustainable economic sectors that create diverse job opportunities.

 


Riyadh forum to highlight future of e-commerce

Riyadh forum to highlight future of e-commerce
Updated 13 October 2025

Riyadh forum to highlight future of e-commerce

Riyadh forum to highlight future of e-commerce
  • The E-commerce Door aims to attract global and local companies to showcase innovative solutions that support the growth of the e-commerce ecosystem

RIYADH: The Biban Forum, which is organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, will feature 44 exhibitors from various supporting sectors within e-commerce.

The event, which takes place from Nov. 5-8 in Riyadh, will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers to share expertise and explore new solutions in the e-commerce field.

The E-commerce Door aims to attract global and local companies to showcase innovative solutions that support the growth of the e-commerce ecosystem, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It includes six specialized sections offering visitors a comprehensive professional and educational experience aligned with global trends.

The Online Marketplaces Zone will feature leading digital platforms helping businesses reach new customers locally and internationally.

The Digital Solutions Zone will present tools and technologies that support online store growth, while the Digital Payments and FinTech Zone showcases secure and efficient payment systems and financial technologies.

The Emerging Technologies Zone will focus on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud solutions, while The Supply Chains Zone will highlight logistics solutions that enhance delivery efficiency and speed.

The Products and Services Development Zone offers entrepreneurs and companies the space to refine innovations, improve products, and build scalable business models for the digital market.

 


Coalition event tackles ideological extremism

Coalition event tackles ideological extremism
Updated 13 October 2025

Coalition event tackles ideological extremism

Coalition event tackles ideological extremism
  • Through such seminars and lectures, the coalition emphasizes that education is the first line of defense against extremism, and that awareness and knowledge are key to safeguarding societies

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition on Monday launched a seminar in the Maldives titled “Manifestations of Ideological Extremism in the Educational Environment” as part of its prevention initiative focused on intellectual awareness.

The event aims to strengthen intellectual resilience among educators and communities, and prevent the spread of extremist and deviant ideas in educational settings, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The seminar brought together academics, intellectuals and experts in education, thought and media from the Maldives, along with representatives from government bodies, educational institutions and other relevant entities.

It is part of the coalition’s broader efforts to bolster ideological prevention systems in member states by helping educators identify early signs of extremism, address its roots, and promote moderation and tolerance in schools and communities.

Through such seminars and lectures, the coalition emphasizes that education is the first line of defense against extremism, and that awareness and knowledge are key to safeguarding societies.