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
Russian referendums strain Egypt-Ukraine ties Egypt denies sending observers to monitor the Russian referendums on illegally annexing four regions in Ukraine. Egypt
LIV Golf makes debut in Saudi Arabia The controversial Saudi-funded tour is also seeking a TV deal as it continues to gain momentum. Gulf
Morocco's women martial artists defy cultural stereotypes Al-Monitor talks to four Moroccan female martial arts athletes about cultural stereotypes and how to inspire and empower future generations of female fighters. North Africa
Egypt to push tourism at Qatar World Cup Egypt is offering direct flights from Doha to Egyptian cities during the 2022 FIFA World Cup to lure fans and boost tourism. Egypt
Reports: Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf will not receive world ranking points The controversial tour, which is backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, recently made an alliance with Dubai’s MENA Tour in an effort to enable its players to qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points. Saudi Arabia
Egypt eyes bid to host 2036 Olympic Games Egypt hopes to become the first African host of the Olympic Games, relying on support from the president of the International Olympic Committee to stage the global event. Egypt
Who is Carlos Queiroz, the man who could be Iran’s coach at the World Cup in Doha? Iranian state media reported that the veteran Portuguese coach will again lead the Iranian men’s national soccer team in Doha this year. However, the deal may not be complete yet. Iran
FIFA World Cup's economic impact will extend beyond Qatar GCC states look to take advantage of "fresh opportunities" and Qatar hopes the World Cup will boost its "soft power and add political influence." Gulf
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece launch bid for 2030 World Cup Media outlets have reported that Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia are seeking to submit a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Egypt
Golfers eager to play for Saudi-funded LIV Golf despite human rights concerns US golf media has been critical of LIV Golf, which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. But for many golfers — especially lesser-known ones — the league offers unparalleled financial opportunities. Gulf
Soccer defeat against Ethiopia ignites Egyptian anger over Nile dam The Egyptian national soccer team’s defeat against Ethiopia awakened angry reactions at the political and sporting levels in Egypt, with some associating the victory to Ethiopia’s position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
IDF allows Israeli athletes to go to Turkey despite travel warning Five Israeli fencers who still serve in the army were allowed this morning to travel to Turkey for the European Championships despite the severe travel warning issued by Israeli authorities on Monday. Israel
