Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

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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)
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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
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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 Saudi Arabia. “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 Saudi Arabia, 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 Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

  • Meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Joint Forces Command and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council

RIYADH: Lieut. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, commander of the Joint Forces, met with Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Discussions also centered on enhancing the ongoing support provided by Saudi Arabia through the Joint Forces to promote security and stability in Yemen.

During the reception, Al-Bahsani commended the Kingdom’s role in supporting Yemen’s efforts to achieve stability.

He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between the two countries to address the challenges currently facing Yemen.

Al-Bahsani thanked the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support across various fields, noting that this collaboration plays a vital role in advancing stability in Yemen and the wider region, SPA reported.

The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Yemen as part of its broader efforts to address regional security challenges, SPA added.


Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani. (SPA)
Updated 30 min 58 sec ago
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Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

  • The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers

RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.

The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.

On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. (SPA)

With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.

It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.

Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.

He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.

“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.

The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.

These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.

 


Diriyah Co. partners with Saudi cybersecurity federation to bolster digital infrastructure

Updated 22 December 2024
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Diriyah Co. partners with Saudi cybersecurity federation to bolster digital infrastructure

  • Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform

RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, known as SAFCSP, on Sunday to strengthen the digital security of Diriyah city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The partnership will enhance cybersecurity measures and safeguard the city’s digital infrastructure as it continues to evolve into a modern hub of culture and heritage, SPA added.

Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform.

BugBounty uses the expertise of cybersecurity specialists to identify and address software vulnerabilities, which will allow Diriyah Co. and SAFCSP to implement strategies to mitigate potential digital threats.

To further support this, SAFCSP will provide specialized training programs to Diriyah Co. employees, equipping them with cybersecurity skills and raising awareness about the importance of digital security.

The MoU will grant the company access to SAFCSP’s database of professionals, facilitating the recruitment of cybersecurity talent. The partnership also enables the design of tailored assessments to evaluate candidates’ suitability for cybersecurity roles. In addition, outstanding students with relevant certifications will be identified for potential training opportunities.

Speaking about the collaboration, Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said:
“This MoU aligns with Diriyah’s commitment to realizing Saudi Vision 2030, marking a crucial step toward creating a secure and sustainable digital future for Diriyah. Our collaboration with government and private sectors, especially the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, is essential for empowering the next generation in advanced technology, driving cultural and economic growth.”

The partnership will also involve joint cybersecurity projects, including conferences, workshops, and public awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of digital security.


Saudi Arabia hosts first Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh

Updated 22 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia hosts first Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh

  • Arab League established body following proposal from Saudi Arabia
  • Aim is to enhance collaboration among Arab nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the first meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh on Monday, featuring officials and experts from a variety of Arab League countries.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit will participate in the meeting to discuss cooperation in cybersecurity and joint cyber frameworks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Arab League established the council in September 2023 following a proposal from Saudi Arabia to consolidate Arab efforts in the sector due to increasing cyber threats and computer-related attacks.

The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority is hosting the event. Established in 2017, the body aims to protect Saudi national security and interests from cyber breaches and attacks.

The Riyadh meeting’s primary objective is to enhance collaboration among Arab nations on all cybersecurity-related matters.

It also aims to function as a platform for exchanging expertise and creating a reliable Arab cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity for all member states of the Arab League.


Riyadh festival strengthens Saudi-Iraqi cultural bonds

Updated 22 December 2024
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Riyadh festival strengthens Saudi-Iraqi cultural bonds

  • ‘Common Ground’ celebrates music, art and shared heritage

RIYADH: A Saudi-Iraqi dialogue on music has been held as part of the “Common Ground” festival at Riyadh Boulevard, which runs until Dec. 31.

The dialogue featured Saudi artist Abadi Al-Johar and Iraqi artist Naseer Shamma, who presented their musical creations.

It highlighted the points of convergence between the rich cultures of both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event aims to highlight the shared cultural elements between Saudi Arabia and Iraq through various cultural and artistic activities.

The goal is to strengthen cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and Iraq and provide an opportunity to explore Iraqi culture and its creative landmarks, the SPA reported.

Iraqi visitors expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and the festival’s recognition of Iraqi artists, particularly the honoring of renowned singer Saadoun Jaber and the late poet Karim Al-Iraqi.

Many said that this reflected the festival’s respect for Iraq’s artistic legacy and its role in fostering cultural ties between the two nations.

An art exhibition at the festival showcases dozens of works by Saudi and Iraqi artists, which visitors praised for vividly portraying the historical and cultural diversity of the two countries while highlighting their shared heritage.

The event has also included discussions on the historical roots of economic ties and recent efforts to strengthen them.

Researchers and historians from both countries gathered to discuss their shared history and explored ways to cooperate in the future.

The festival includes a children’s area with heritage games, arts and crafts, and interactive storytelling.

It also offers a culinary experience blending Saudi and Iraqi flavors, while visitors can enjoy Saudi coffee and Iraqi tea, reflecting Arab hospitality.

The event is being held in collaboration between the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Iraqi National Library and Archive.