American actor John Travolta and singer Nelly are in Saudi Arabia as the ultra-conservative Gulf kingdom undergoes a vast ‘modernisation’ plan launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Travolta was in the capital Riyadh for a discussion Friday on ‘the secrets of Hollywood’, and rapper Nelly gave a concert Thursday in Jeddah on the west coast. As part of the crown prince’s modernisation drive, the kingdom has recently organised artistic events open to both sexes and has also announced the forthcoming reopening of previously banned cinemas. Travolta was in Riyadh to meet fans and talk about his artistic career and Tinseltown. In addition to diversifying an economy still too dependent on oil, the plan provides for developing tourism, sports and entertainment, despite the opposition of some religious circles.

Source: Pakistan Today December 16, 2017 12:22 UTC