News for 'Saudi Arabia'

Spotted! Ajay Jadeja in Saudi Arabia

Spotted! Ajay Jadeja in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com4 Dec 2006

Reader Mohammed Muthar Hussain sent us a picture of Ajay Jadeja from Saudi Arabia.

Asian Games: China Leads Medal Count, India Secures Fourth Spot

Asian Games: China Leads Medal Count, India Secures Fourth Spot

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

The article presents the medal tally after Day 14 of the Asian Games, showing China's significant lead, followed by Japan and South Korea. India is positioned fourth with a total of 85 medals.

Trump 'personally' believes Iran behind Flydubai terror attack

Trump 'personally' believes Iran behind Flydubai terror attack

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has stated his personal belief that Iran was responsible for the attempted mid-air hijacking and crash of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, where an Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain.

'Co-pilot who stabbed Capt Machchhar underwent Islamist indoctrination'

'Co-pilot who stabbed Capt Machchhar underwent Islamist indoctrination'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on board the flydubai flight on Wednesday had underwent radical Islamist indoctrination.

Modi's tightrope walk in Saudi Arabia

Modi's tightrope walk in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com5 Apr 2016

The known unknowns in Prime Minister Modi's Saudi visit assume great significance, says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Flydubai attacker appears to be 'lone wolf': Reports

Flydubai attacker appears to be 'lone wolf': Reports

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

An investigation is underway into a flydubai co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, who allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar in an attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight. The incident, which saw the plane plummet thousands of feet before the captain regained control, is being treated as a lone-wolf terrorist act, with probes by UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

Pak army chief visits Saudi Arabia amid strained ties

Pak army chief visits Saudi Arabia amid strained ties

Rediff.com17 Aug 2020

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad said that Gen Bajwa was accompanied by the Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.

India, Saudi Arabia agree to enhance investments

India, Saudi Arabia agree to enhance investments

Rediff.com26 Nov 2010

India and Saudi Arabia on Friday, agreed to increase investments in each other's country through joint ventures to enhance economic cooperation. Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah bin Ahmed Zainal Alireza, agreed to regular exchange of business delegations to sensitise the businesspersons in both the countries.

Why Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia is important

Why Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia is important

Rediff.com3 Apr 2016

King Salman and Narendra Modi will find common ground to intensify cooperation against jihadi terrorism, says Tarun Vijay, MP.

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump recounted an unconfirmed story about a flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off a knife attack from a co-pilot attempting to crash the aircraft. Trump also detailed a dramatic intervention by an Israeli plumber-passenger who helped subdue the co-pilot, learning flying basics from a TV show. Trump stressed that he was merely relaying an account from Israeli PM Netanyahu, not independently confirmed facts.

India seeks extra oil, LPG from Saudi Arabia

India seeks extra oil, LPG from Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com24 Feb 2012

The government has sought to increase crude oil inflow from Saudi Arabia by five million tonnes from 27.33 million tonnes, as supplies from Iran is set to decline following US sanctions.

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

A FlyDubai flight captain was stabbed by his co-pilot in a suspected terror attack, leading to a desperate fight for survival that was heroically thwarted by an Israeli dentist and other passengers, averting a major mid-air disaster.

Saudi Arabia to provide cash-strapped Pakistan $3 billion

Saudi Arabia to provide cash-strapped Pakistan $3 billion

Rediff.com23 Oct 2018

The Pakistani PM is now scheduled to travel to Malaysia next week and to China on November 3 to seek financial assistance from the two friendly countries.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

India's Russian Crude Imports Dip to 5-Month Low Amid Diversification

India's Russian Crude Imports Dip to 5-Month Low Amid Diversification

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

India's Russian crude oil imports reached a five-month low in September, dropping to 1.75 million barrels per day, as Indian refiners strategically diversify their energy supplies amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes and robust domestic demand, according to ship tracking data.

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, condemning recent attacks on both countries and emphasising the importance of regional peace and stability.

Punj Lloyd forms JV in Saudi Arabia

Punj Lloyd forms JV in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com15 May 2006

Punj Lloyd Ltd said on Monday it has entered into a joint venture with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to form a joint venture company with a share capital of two million Saudi Riyals.

FlyDubai incident: 2 Maldivian pilots arrested in Dubai

FlyDubai incident: 2 Maldivian pilots arrested in Dubai

Rediff.com5 days ago

Two Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai have been arrested in the UAE in connection with an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to hijack and crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The incident, which injured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, is being investigated by UAE authorities and India's NIA, with the accused co-pilot suspected of extremist ideologies.

Saudi Arabia calls for dialogue between India and Pak

Saudi Arabia calls for dialogue between India and Pak

Rediff.com9 May 2021

The Crown Prince "welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control, which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India.

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

While Smit Machchhar is rightly being lauded as a hero, the curious thing is that the name of the Omani copilot responsible for this attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft has been withheld. His name and face should have been splashed all over the international media. This was not done and it therefore raises legitimate suspicion. Is it possible that his involvement could expose some powerful entity? Could it point to a blatant intelligence failure that would have left certain powers shamefaced? Could it be that he may have revealed things that could prove severely damaging to certain vested interests? asks Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

India, Saudi Arabia to ink extradition treaty

India, Saudi Arabia to ink extradition treaty

Rediff.com26 Feb 2010

Terrorism will be high on the agenda of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from Saturday when the two countries will sign an extradition treaty. Singh will be the first Indian PM to visit Saudi Arabia in the last 28 years; the last visit was undertaken by Indira Gandhi in 1982. The prime minister will hold talks with King Abdullah on a number of bilateral and regional matters of mutual concern and address the influential Shura Council.

Flydubai co-pilot identified; barred in Oman over radical views

Flydubai co-pilot identified; barred in Oman over radical views

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

An Omani citizen, Hamam al-Hammami, has been identified as the flydubai co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and allegedly attempted to take control of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which the UAE has now confirmed as a 'terrorist act'.

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

BJP leaders and devotees across India are performing pujas and havans for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed while thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are holding special rituals, honouring his courage in saving 174 lives.

What was the army chief doing in Saudi Arabia?

What was the army chief doing in Saudi Arabia?

Rediff.com17 Dec 2020

General Naravane's UAE and Saudi Arabia visits communicate India's long awaited arrival in the domain of integrated foreign policy where the diplomatic and the military domains both complement each other much more substantially, observes Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

'No official notification from Saudi Arabia over seat rejection'

'No official notification from Saudi Arabia over seat rejection'

Rediff.com19 Oct 2013

Saudi Arabia has not yet officially notified the United Nations about its decision to reject a seat on the Security Council, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said.

Saudi Arabia to send four women to Rio Olympics

Saudi Arabia to send four women to Rio Olympics

Rediff.com18 Jul 2016

The Saudi Olympic Committee has approved four female Saudi athletes to compete as part of the conservative Gulf kingdom's team at the Rio Olympics, a spokesman said on Sunday.

From snowmen to Viber: Bizarre bans in Saudi Arabia

From snowmen to Viber: Bizarre bans in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com14 Jan 2015

Women behind the wheel, movie theatres and now snowmen! Everyday things in the outside world are prohibited in Saudi Arabia's incredibly conservative society. Rediff.com compiles a list

Passport issue resolved with Saudi Arabia: Indian mission

Passport issue resolved with Saudi Arabia: Indian mission

Rediff.com21 May 2013

India and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday resolved the issue of refusal of new Indian passports by immigration authorities in Jeddah which had caused concern among the Indian expatriates in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia to invest in energy, water projects

Saudi Arabia to invest in energy, water projects

Rediff.com11 Apr 2013

Energy consumption in Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented growth, prompting a wave of investments expected to reach $133 billion (502.5 billion Saudi riyals) for various power generation and water projects in the next decade, organisers of an industry event said.

Sri Lanka government bans maids to Saudi Arabia

Sri Lanka government bans maids to Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com5 Feb 2013

Sri Lanka has banned the practice of sending local maids to work in Saudi Arabia, following an international outcry over the beheading of a young Lankan housemaid in the Kingdom. The Chairman of Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies said that the government had decided to suspend sending domestic maids to Saudi Arabia until the maids are provided with an insurance cover by the Saudi authorities.

Puligilla And Sherif Aim For Glory At Rally Del Paraguay WRC3 Event

Puligilla And Sherif Aim For Glory At Rally Del Paraguay WRC3 Event

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Indian rally driver Naveen Puligilla and co-driver Musa Sherif are participating in the WRC3 category of Rally del Paraguay, the 11th round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The duo, fresh off a win in Rwanda and a historic WRC podium in Saudi Arabia, will navigate 22 red-gravel special stages, with Puligilla emphasising the need for precision due to the rally's challenging conditions.

'Saudi Arabia still offers lot of opportunities for Indians'

'Saudi Arabia still offers lot of opportunities for Indians'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2013

"Saudi Arabia continues to be a land of opportunity for Indians. Indians have benefited the most from the amnesty scheme as 1.4 million people got their residency and work status legalised," says Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, Consul-General of India, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

'I was fighting for my life, but wouldn't let others die': Capt Machchhar tells Modi

'I was fighting for my life, but wouldn't let others die': Capt Machchhar tells Modi

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Captain Smit Machchaar for his exceptional bravery in foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Modi spoke to Machchaar and his family, expressing pride in his heroic actions that saved hundreds of lives. The incident involved a sharp descent and diversion of the flight, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also acknowledging Machchaar's courage.

Women in Saudi Arabia vote for first time

Women in Saudi Arabia vote for first time

Rediff.com12 Dec 2015

More than 5,000 men and around 980 women are standing as candidates, with more than 130,000 women registered to vote compared to 1.35 million men.

Indian killed in Saudi Arabia

Indian killed in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com3 Apr 2006

Indian killed in Saudi; Rs 1.2 crore looted

'Capt Machchhar's family was worried but also proud of him'

'Capt Machchhar's family was worried but also proud of him'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he was stabbed while preventing a co-pilot from crashing a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. His Mumbai neighbours express immense pride and are praying for his speedy recovery, while his parents have travelled to Saudi Arabia for his treatment. The incident has drawn global attention and praise from leaders like PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu.

LIC plans JV in Saudi Arabia

LIC plans JV in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com28 Mar 2005

Life Insurance Corporation of India, its foreign arm LIC International and the New India Assurance Co will join hands for setting up a joint venture company in Saudi Arabia to offer life and non-life insurance products to non resident Indians and oth

'Stay away from Saudi Arabia'

'Stay away from Saudi Arabia'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2003

The US embassy in Riyadh had earlier warned its nationals of possible attacks during Ramadan, but the new advisory was the first to discourage travel to Saudi Arabia.

India files strong protest with Saudi Arabia for wrong map on banknote

India files strong protest with Saudi Arabia for wrong map on banknote

Rediff.com29 Oct 2020

The global map printed on the new 20 Riyal banknote, released to mark Saudi Arabia's presidency of the G20 grouping, does not feature Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as part of India.