Qatar bans new ‘Wonder Woman’ movie

Gal Gadot from a scene in "Wonder Woman." (AP)
Updated 30 June 2017
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Qatar bans new ‘Wonder Woman’ movie

JEDDAH: Qatar has banned the blockbuster movie “Wonder Woman,” according to local English language newspaper Doha News.
The film has received worldwide critical acclaim. But it has also caused outrage because the lead actress, Gal Gadot, is from Israel, and she has previously posted on social media messages supporting the country’s military action in Lebanon.
Earlier in June Lebanon and Tunisia banned the movie from being screened. But it currently remains on show at cinemas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Bahrain.
The film was due to premiere in Doha on Thursday, but any reference to “Wonder Woman” was removed from all cinema websites across the country.
On June 13, Vox were celebrating the countdown to the day the movie was due to premiere in the City:

But days later on June 28, the cinema chain Vox responded to queries, confirming it was no longer going to be shown.

Actress, Gadot, carried out her compulsory Israeli military service in 2006, which coincided with the Israeli war in Lebanon.
On Facebook she previously sent her “love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens. Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children…We shall overcome!!!”
Gadot also expressed support for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the 2014 Gaza conflict.

 


RT Arabic to launch new TV program marking 100 years of Russia-Saudi relations

Updated 10 January 2026
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RT Arabic to launch new TV program marking 100 years of Russia-Saudi relations

  • The program will broadcast twice a month starting next month

RIYADH: Russian news network, RT Arabic, is set to launch a new analytical program, “Studio Riyadh,” from the capital next month as part of celebrations marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Saudi Arabia.

The program will be hosted by veteran Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Rashed and broadcast twice a month, starting February 2026. It will provide in-depth analysis of regional and international developments, featuring prominent political and media figures.

Maya Manna, head of RT Arabic, said that the launch aligned with commemorations of the historic ties between the two countries and reflected a growing commitment to media cooperation.

“Studio Riyadh” will join RT Arabic’s lineup of international programs broadcast from major capitals including Beirut, Cairo, Washington and Paris.

Each 26-minute episode will air on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and feature a focused dialogue on a pressing current affairs topic.

Al-Rashed, a seasoned presenter and correspondent with more than 20 years of experience, is expected to bring deep regional insight and journalistic rigor to the program.

RT Arabic, which was the first Russian news channel to broadcast 24/7 in Arabic, has grown into one of the region’s leading platforms for political analysis. It currently reaches an estimated audience of 400 million viewers and operates a broad network of regional bureaus.