Iraqi Kurdistan's haute couture breaks into Paris Fashion Week

Lara Dizeyee, who will be showcasing her designs at Paris Fashion week in early July, has created a unique line of luxury wear blending Kurdish traditions with contemporary twists.

Iraq

What's behind removal of Palestinian Mohammed Assaf's song from Spotify?

Spotify says the Gazan artist’s song was removed from its streaming service by "the distributor." Social media users call the act discriminatory and part of the ongoing censorship of Palestinian content masked under the guise of eliminating anti-Israeli sentiment.

Palestine

Saudi-funded LIV Golf celebrates Brooks Koepka’s PGA win

The breakaway league, which is backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, has been experiencing poor TV ratings, though its golfers are performing well at major tournaments.

Gulf

Qatar makes bid to host Rugby League World Cup

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are all working to host more international sporting events as they diversify their economies. Rugby league has a following in Lebanon, but is relatively unknown in the region.

Qatar

Egypt's ‘Eissa’ debuts at Cannes with spotlight on Africa’s refugee community

Egyptian critics and activists praised "I Promise You Paradise," a short film directed by Egyptian director Morad Mostafa, highlighting untold stories of immigrants living in Egypt, with a focus on African refugees.

Egypt

In a shift, Saudi Arabia to 'welcome' LGBTQ tourists

The Saudi Tourism Authority said that authorities do not ask for personal details in this regard. The position follows social changes the kingdom is undergoing, though it is difficult to determine the exact status of LGBTQ people in the country.

Gulf

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

Egypt archaeologists refute Ramses II-Exodus connection

The display of the sarcophagus of Ramses II at an exhibition organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism in Paris has revived the debate of whether the Exodus occurred during the era of the king.

Egypt

Egyptian lawyer sues Netflix for depicting Cleopatra as Black woman

Many Egyptians are furious that Netflix's new series depicts its titular "Queen Cleopatra" as Black despite the ancient ruler's well-known Greek heritage.

Egypt

Koepka, Mickelson play at The Masters, a 'win' for Saudi-funded LIV Golf

The breakaway league has been criticized for its relative lack of talent versus the PGA Tour, but LIV golfers performed well at The Masters to the chagrin of their detractors.

Gulf

Explainer: The Israel-Indonesia soccer dispute

FIFA removed Indonesia as the host for an upcoming tournament after the country expressed opposition to hosting the Israeli team, and may sanction its soccer body. Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian sentiment is strong in Indonesia, despite the country’s distance from the Middle East.

Israel

Tunis, Istanbul top Middle East city rankings for 'mindful travelers'

Nine cities from the broader Middle East and North Africa region, including four in Turkey, made it into a ranking of the world's top cities for “mindful travelers."

Turkey