Saudi Arabia bets 2034 World Cup will bring foreign investment, reduce reliance on debt Hosting the 2034 World Cup will give fresh impetus to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans as tournament-linked construction and developments open new investment opportunities. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup: What we know Saudi Arabia has poured billions into developing sporting infrastructure and buying up top global football talent as part of its Vision 2030 diversification strategy. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Dania Akeel’s Baja Cup win inspires Arab women in motorsports The Jeddah-born driver is the first Saudi woman to win that cup and among an increasing number of Arab women drivers to achieve success in the traditionally male-dominated sport in recent years. Saudi Arabia
After Ronaldo, Neymar scores $54 million penthouse in Dubai The Brazilian soccer player is the latest athlete to acquire property in the UAE’s largest city. United Arab Emirates
Cristiano Ronaldo disappoints as Saudi Al Nassr loses King Cup Ronaldo is the biggest player to ever play in Saudi Arabia, but his tenure in the kingdom has been disappointing to some fans. Gulf
Qatar's Sheikh Jassim still confident in Manchester United takeover bid The son of a former Qatari emir is reportedly still assured that his debt-free bid to take over the soccer club will succeed, despite an ESPN report suggesting that the current owners, the Glazer brothers, will now stay put. Gulf
Qatar’s takeover of Manchester United unlikely as Glazers plan to stay put: report An ESPN report suggests that current owners may want to hold onto the club and try and double its value. Gulf
Analysis Yorkshire cricket club is latest UK team to seek Middle East investment Experts see a growing trend in Middle Eastern investors wanting to get involved in British sports, as countries in the region diversify their economies. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi Arabia inks 14 deals at Jeddah Grand Prix in boost to sports industry The agreements were part of a comprehensive sponsorship program hosted by Invest Saudi, the kingdom’s investment promotion entity. The value of the deals was not disclosed. Gulf
Qatar's Manchester United takeover could monetize new Mideast fan base A Qatari takeover of the English soccer club would “turbocharge” the global presence of the English Premier League, analysts told Al-Monitor Gulf
Anti-Kurdish racism stains soccer pitch in western Turkey The attacks raised the specter of inter-communal violence ahead of watershed elections that are due to be held on May 14 Turkey
Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf begins second season in Mexico The Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed league's 2023 season will include three events at Trump golf courses as the legal battle with the rival PGA Tour heats up. Gulf
Qatar, Saudi investors bidding to buy Manchester United Investment in sports is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy, and Qatar has soccer ambitions of its own after hosting the World Cup. Gulf
Once-banned, Saudi women's soccer team wins big as Riyadh woos FIFA A Saudi women's soccer team that was unthinkable a decade ago is now winning championships, but Australia and New Zealand have lodged a complaint to FIFA over the kingdom's reported sponsorship of upcoming tournament. Gulf
Iraq's soccer team celebrates with militia leaders after Gulf Cup victory The team held up a photo of militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed by a US drone strike in 2020. Iraq
Report: Messi not signing with Saudis, but kingdom wants him The Argentine soccer star recently visited Saudi Arabia to play in an exhibition against Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Saudi club, Al Nassr. Messi also met an influential Muslim cleric during the trip. Gulf
