Analysis Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars? A new agreement between MBC Group and the US industry giant appears to signal a shift in the Middle East's streaming market, with top players opting for collaboration over competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
In rare appearance, Fairuz mourns son Ziad Rahbani as Lebanon bids farewell Legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz attended the funeral of her son, renowned composer and playwright, Ziad Rahbani, at a church in a town north of Beirut, in her first public appearance in years. Lebanon
Turkey's Erdogan vows justice amid rage over alleged Prophet Muhammad cartoon A controversial cartoon has sparked mass protests, arrests and threats against a leading Turkish satire magazine. Turkey
Oscar-winning Palestinian director freed from Israeli detention after night in custody Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and later detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank as the Israeli army continues its raids in the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Analysis How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
‘Written Eye’ exhibit breathes life into Syria's art scene Several young artists showcased their works at a new-concept exhibition held in the heart of the Syrian capital, signaling a revival of the Syrian art scene after years of war. Syria
Crew of Iranian film barred from traveling to Cannes: lawyer Mohammad Rasoulof, the director of "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," has been persecuted for his work by the Iranian government. Iran
Saudi Arabia to make debut at Miss Universe pageant The move is a historic first for Saudi Arabia, where women have long faced restrictions under conservative Islamic laws. Saudi Arabia
Grammys feature Gaza cease-fire calls, keffiyeh & support for Israeli hostages The devastation continues in Gaza despite international efforts to reach a cease-fire as the death toll surpasses 27,000. Israel
What does Saudi's first-ever alcohol store say about new Gulf culture? Alcohol-free 'mocktails' are also becoming increasingly popular across the region. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia sets art ambitions with Noor Riyadh Festival A tour of this year’s Noor Riyadh Festival sheds light on Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a cultural hub and, consequently, a tourism hub in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Iranian artist Bita Ghezelayagh points pens and roses at censorship Iranian artist Bita Ghezelayagh fuses ancient Iranian crafts with universal themes of rebellion, hope and alienation. Iran
Saudi crown prince announces esports ‘world cup’ The move follows significant Saudi investment in both video games and traditional sports. Legacy: Gulf
Middle East offers strong market for AI content dubbing The region is ripe for translated content as Arabic is widely spoken and there is a strong appetite for digital media due to a young population. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's SRMG invests in music streamer Anghami, Spotify’s Middle East rival Beirut-founded Anghami is the most popular music streaming platform in the MENA region, with 120 million registered users, up from 75 million in 2021. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon minister calls for banning of 'Barbie' movie The Hezbollah-backed politician accused the film of promoting homosexuality, among other things, amid rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment in the region. "Barbie" is scheduled to be released in the Gulf this week. Lebanon
Saudi, UAE theaters to screen Barbie this week, despite earlier push to delay The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar have changed the release date of the record grossing film for a second time to Aug. 10, and the film will open in Saudi Arabia Aug. 9. United Arab Emirates
