Skip to main content

Saudi’s Red Sea Film Festival Forges Ahead Undeterred Despite Israel-Hamas Conflict

 

The Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah continues to attract international stars, despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The festival, which runs from November 30 to December 9, features a glitzy red carpet and a world premiere of Yasir Al-Yasiri’s fantasy “HWJN.”

The event also features Will Smith, Sharon Stone, Ranveer Singh, Johnny Depp, and other Arabic stars. The festival’s foundation chairman, Jomana Al Rashid, highlighted Saudi’s theatrical box office’s doubled box office since the pandemic and its potential to reach the billion-dollar mark by 2030. The festival’s chief executive officer, Mohammed Al Turki, praised the Saudi film industry as a recognized force. Other attendees included Freida Pinto, Sofia Vergara, Amy Jackson, Mahlagha Jaberi, and Meryem Sarah Uzerli.

Ranveer Singh, an Indian actor, wore an all-black look and was presented an award by Sharon Stone. Singh thanked his fans for their support and thanked Depp for his versatility. The festival’s jury president, Baz Luhrmann, praised the vibrant and exciting film culture in Saudi Arabia in just five years since the lifting of the religion-related ban on movies.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

 The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...

The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah: A Fusion of Heritage and Opulence

  The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah, known for its cultural and historical value, usher in a new age of opulent living. In the center of Diriyah, this partnership between the Diriyah Company and Marriott's Ritz-Carlton establishes a previously unheard-of benchmark for luxurious living. Inspired by the Najdi legacy, the houses offer occupants a distinctive and immersive cultural experience by skillfully fusing traditional charm with contemporary facilities. These villas prioritize well-being and create a pleasant environment for dynamic living. They are designed to adapt to varied tastes and lifestyles, with six unique layouts and a range of interior designs. Part of the Diriyah Company's ambitious development plan, The Ritz-Carlton Residences are located in the heart of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including At-Turaif as its focal point. The objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 are perfectly aligned with this concept, which has over 20,000 residential units...

UAE's Foreign Trade Surge Highlights Strategic Economic Vision

  The UAE's foreign trade reached a record AED5.23 trillion (US$1.42 trillion) in 2024, marking a 49% increase since 2021 and reinforcing its global economic influence. Despite fluctuating global market conditions, the country managed to post a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion (US$134 billion), showcasing the strength of its trade frameworks and diversified economy. According to the World Trade Organisation, the UAE has maintained its position as the Middle East and Africa's foremost trade community since 2014, while steadily climbing the global ranks. In merchandise trade, the UAE placed 11th in exports and 14th in imports in 2024. It contributed 2.5% of global exports and 2.2% of imports, reflecting a robust trading ecosystem that bridges major global markets. The services sector also delivered notable gains. From 2014 to 2024, the UAE rose to 13th globally in service exports. Service transactions in 2024 totaled AED1.036 trillion, of which AED646.6 billion were exports. The...