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
Cafes, hotels in Dubai raise prices during World Cup Thousands of Dubai restaurants and hotels are hosting the thousands of World Cup soccer fans who are using the emirate as a base. Gulf
Israeli soccer fans find cold welcome in Qatar The joy of many Israeli soccer fans over traveling to Qatar for the World Cup was quickly soured by rejection from Arab soccer fans. Israel
Yemenis' passion for soccer undimmed by war The seven-year war in Yemen has not wiped out the people's passion for soccer, and the Yemenis' reaction to the World Cup in Qatar is proof. Gulf
Iran falls to US in World Cup in tense, politically charged match Iran lost 1-0 in a highly politicized match with clear tensions on the field, dashing their hopes to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time. Iran
Explainer: the US-Iran dispute over flags and the World Cup The US men’s soccer team posted an image of the Iranian flag with the word “Allah” removed from it. Iran
Thousands of Israeli fans flock to World Cup in Qatar Lack of diplomatic relations did not deter Israeli soccer fans from traveling to Qatar and mixing with other fans from Lebanon, Jordan, and even Iran. Israel
Analysis Iran, Saudi, other MidEast teams warm up in Qatar as World Cup approaches Iran is looking to advance to the second round for the first time ever, but the team is mired in controversy over the protests in the country while host Qatar itself is facing criticism at home. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Turkey’s first national soccer game in Kurdish heartland hints at electioneering The match was set in Diyarbakir by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he faces a tough vote next year. Turkey
Israeli-owned tanker hit by drone off Oman coast No group or country have taken responsibility for the drone attack last night against the Pacific Zircon, but the Israeli security system suspects Iran was behind the hit. Israel
World Cup to bring thousands of Israeli fans to Qatar under new travel deal Israel and Qatar have no diplomatic relations, but a special visa deal will allow thousands of Israeli soccer fans attend the world tournament. Israel
Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is 'haram' Qatar’s human rights record is under scrutiny in the lead-up to the World Cup, particularly regarding the treatment of LGBTQ people and laborers. Gulf
Informal ties grow between Israel, Saudi Arabia With the current rift between Washington and Riyadh, every baby step in informal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia counts. Israel
