News for 'Saudi Arabia'

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia have signed a trilateral defence pact, agreeing to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Analysts suggest this alliance could significantly diminish the United States' strategic influence in West Asia and elevate Pakistan's geopolitical standing, potentially acting as a deterrent in regional conflicts.

US Soccer withdraws U-17 team from FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns

US Soccer withdraws U-17 team from FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns

Rediff.com13 hours ago

US Soccer has withdrawn its national team from the men's FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup in Qatar, citing the US State Department's Level 3 travel advisory and concerns over armed conflict, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Honours Rekha!

Saudi Arabia Honours Rekha!

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'Her presence lit up the room as she reflected on a remarkable career that has shaped generations of Indian cinema.'

Alcaraz admits: Money motivated my Saudi Arabia trip

Alcaraz admits: Money motivated my Saudi Arabia trip

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

Carlos Alcaraz reveals prize money attracted him to Saudi's Six Kings Slam

Magnus Carlsen Set To Defend Chess Title At Esports World Cup

Magnus Carlsen Set To Defend Chess Title At Esports World Cup

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Chess will be featured for the third consecutive year at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh next year, with two-time champion Magnus Carlsen expected to defend his title. India also showed a strong presence in EWC 2026 with four Grandmasters, two of whom reached the quarterfinals.

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who bravely saved a flydubai flight despite being stabbed by his co-pilot. Machchhar, initially treated in Saudi Arabia, has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, with Indian diplomatic missions providing full support.

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A news report details how Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down a Flydubai plane after a co-pilot's cockpit stabbing attempt led to a rapid descent and fears of a hijacking en route to Tel Aviv.

Saudi Arabia agrees to let women drive

Saudi Arabia agrees to let women drive

Rediff.com27 Sep 2017

The government will have until June 24, 2018, to implement the new decree

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.

Hamilton calls for more change in Saudi Arabia

Hamilton calls for more change in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com25 Mar 2022

Saudi Arabia said this month it had executed 81 men, including seven Yemenis and one Syrian.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince dismissed

Saudi Arabia's crown prince dismissed

Rediff.com29 Apr 2015

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud on Wednesday dismissed the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Moqren bin Abdul Aziz bin Saud, and replaced him with the Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's 'Islamic Bomb'

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's 'Islamic Bomb'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2010

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's long-planned and much-delayed visit to Saudi Arabia has certainly contributed to strengthening of bilateral relations as well as to India's long-term energy security. As India's economic growth rate picks up, and given the uncertainties in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia's assurances to keep oil supplies flowing and to invest in India's energy security must be welcomed.

What India, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE Discussed

What India, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE Discussed

Rediff.com9 May 2023

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday, May 7, 2023, held a meeting with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan, United Arab Emirates counterpart Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed means to strengthen ties between the countries.

How Bhavina Patel Is Dominating Para Table Tennis At Asian Games

How Bhavina Patel Is Dominating Para Table Tennis At Asian Games

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Paralympics silver medallist Bhavina Patel secured another victory at the Asian Para Games, defeating Jordan's Faten Eleimat in women's para table tennis. While Patel topped her group, other Indian paddlers like Sonalben Patel, Shubham Wadhwa, Ekta Bhyan, Jehan Madan, and Dattaprasad Chougule faced mixed results in their respective categories.

Indian beheaded in Saudi Arabia

Indian beheaded in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com6 Mar 2005

Malaya Maroti Bajantra had killed Hakim Ahmed Pasha after striking him on the head with a rock and slashing his throat before robbing him.

Spotted: Irfan Pathan in Saudi Arabia

Spotted: Irfan Pathan in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com7 Nov 2007

Reader Mohammed Sarfraz sent us pictures of Irfan Pathan from Saudi Arabia.

How UP STF Uncovered A Major Wildlife Smuggling Operation

How UP STF Uncovered A Major Wildlife Smuggling Operation

Rediff.com31 Oct 2026

The Uttar Pradesh STF has arrested Firoz Musarrat Khan, an alleged interstate wildlife smuggler, in Lucknow and seized seven protected falcons worth Rs 1.4 crore. Khan's gang reportedly sourced protected birds and animals from UP forests, smuggling them to international markets via Mumbai. An FIR has been registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

What Is Xi Doing In Saudi Arabia?

What Is Xi Doing In Saudi Arabia?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Saudi Arabia on a three-day visit. Xi will not only meet with Saudi King Salman and his son Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, but also other leaders in the region.

Deoband asks Saudi Arabia to rethink ban on Tablighi Jamaat

Deoband asks Saudi Arabia to rethink ban on Tablighi Jamaat

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Chief Rector of Darul Uloom, Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani, has asked Saudi Arabia to rethink its decision, saying otherwise a wrong message may be conveyed to Muslims.

Some Indians among 91 evacuated from war-torn Sudan to Saudi Arabia

Some Indians among 91 evacuated from war-torn Sudan to Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com23 Apr 2023

The evacuation came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Saudi Arabia counterpart and Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Sudan.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

Saudi Arabia for enhanced anti-terror cooperation with India

Saudi Arabia for enhanced anti-terror cooperation with India

Rediff.com25 Sep 2019

Nearly two weeks after drone and missile attacks on its vital oil facilities, Saudi Arabia has said it is enhancing cooperation with India to combat terrorism, including choking funds to terror networks and exchange of information and intelligence.

India to probe mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar

India to probe mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

India's anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has registered a case to investigate a mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, inside the cockpit of an Israel-bound flydubai flight, citing an "apparent attempt to hijack or cause it to crash."

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia drops out

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia drops out

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

Saudi Arabia announced it would bid only minutes after soccer's global governing body called for Asia and Oceania bids on October 4.

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar bravely recounts his terrifying mid-air ordeal aboard a flydubai flight last month, detailing how his quick thinking and survival instinct thwarted a co-pilot's planned suicide attack and saved over 170 lives.

Toor wins third Asian Games medal with shot put silver

Toor wins third Asian Games medal with shot put silver

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Indian shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured a silver medal at the Asian Games, marking his third medal at the continental event. He achieved a throw of 20.64m, while Iran's Mohammadreza Tayebise won gold with a new Games record of 20.81m, breaking Toor's previous record.

JLR mulls plant in Saudi Arabia

JLR mulls plant in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com11 Dec 2012

Jaguar Land Rover and Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Clusters Development Programme will now begin a detailed feasibility study together, to determine the viability of setting up an automotive facility, the company said in a statement.

AFC Champions League: Al-Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Security Alert Delays Kick-Off

AFC Champions League: Al-Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Security Alert Delays Kick-Off

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr's second goal in their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite, a match that was delayed by an hour due to a security warning in Riyadh.

FLOTUS forgoes headscarf in Saudi Arabia, sparks outrage

FLOTUS forgoes headscarf in Saudi Arabia, sparks outrage

Rediff.com28 Jan 2015

Did Saudi state television blur Michelle Obama's face?

Saudi Arabia sack Dutch coach Rijkaard

Saudi Arabia sack Dutch coach Rijkaard

Rediff.com17 Jan 2013

Saudi Arabia have sacked Frank Rijkaard as coach of the national soccer team after 18 months in charge, the country's football federation has announced.

Pakistan tries to cement ties with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan tries to cement ties with Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com21 Jan 2021

India should remember that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations will remain special due, not least, to bonds of all Muslims with The Holy Land. They would also be strategic enough, irrespective of whether the ambassador is a military man or a career civilian appointee., notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

US, Saudi Arabia revive Taliban's comeback

US, Saudi Arabia revive Taliban's comeback

Rediff.com7 Oct 2008

From the US perspective, the immediate political advantage of the Saudi involvement will be two-fold: its impact on Pakistani public opinion and, secondly, in countering the expanding Iranian influence within Afghanistan. The Saudi role would hopefully temper the stridency of 'anti-Americanism' in Pakistan, given their influence on the Islamic parties in Pakistan, especially the Jamaat-i-Islami

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight carrying nearly 180 people. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Indian envoys met his family in Dubai, assuring full government support, while the co-pilot has been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

Australia end Saudi Arabia's WC hopes

Australia end Saudi Arabia's WC hopes

Rediff.com29 Feb 2012

Australia scored three goals in three minutes in a second-half burst to beat Saudi Arabia 4-2 in Melbourne on Wednesday and dash the Middle Eastern country's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after 'Jota' chants target Neves

Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after 'Jota' chants target Neves

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for a lifetime ban on football fans who chanted the name of deceased former teammate Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match. The incident, which occurred during a game between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal, deeply affected Neves, a close friend of Jota.

Asian Games: Saudi Arabia 'two good' as India crash out

Asian Games: Saudi Arabia 'two good' as India crash out

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

A formidable Saudi Arabia didn't bring their 'A' game to the fore, but were strong enough to ward off a gutsy challenge from India winning their pre-quarterfinal match 2-0 in the men's football competition in Hangzhou on Thursday.

Madan And Wadhwa Secure Bronze At Asian Para Games

Madan And Wadhwa Secure Bronze At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com23 Oct 2026

Indian paddlers Jehan Dorab Madan and Shubham Wadhwa secured a bronze medal in the men's doubles MD4 table tennis event at the Asian Para Games. Despite a 0-3 loss to South Korea in their final group match, their overall performance placed them among the top four, earning them a podium finish. Jehan Madan, at 50, became the oldest Indian medallist at the event.

800 jobless Indians starving in Saudi Arabia, Swaraj intervenes

800 jobless Indians starving in Saudi Arabia, Swaraj intervenes

Rediff.com30 Jul 2016

Nearly 800 Indian workers are reportedly starving for the last three days in Saudi city of Jeddah after losing their jobs

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.