Saudi sports push targets NFL with flag football series featuring Tom Brady The Public Investment Fund is not yet investing in the National Football League amid restrictions on state entities, but is eyeing flag football as the sport grows in the region. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia launches 24-hour women’s sports channel: What to know The launch coincides with the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will see the soccer competition broadcast nationally and globally for the first time. Saudi Arabia
World's largest illegal sports streaming site shut down after Egypt arrests Streameast, believed to be the world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, was taken down in August during a sting operation conducted by Egyptian authorities in collaboration with a US anti-piracy group. Egypt
Dubai Police to host expanded esports event amid UAE gaming push: What to know The UAE wants to grow its esports sector as part of its economic diversification plans, mirroring a similar endeavor in neighboring Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Khashoggi's fiancee urges Justin Beiber to cancel Saudi performance Hatice Cengiz called on the Canadian pop star to choose "justice and freedom over money." Saudi Arabia
Girls feel empowered at skate parks in Gaza Gazan girls are encouraged to practice roller-skating and skateboarding at skate parks in the Gaza Strip, despite the lack of equipment and societal disapproval. Culture
The Takeaway: Sudan’s fragile economic stability at risk after military takeover Saudi Arabia’s plan for “net-zero”; Turkey’s spy busts; Syria’s rebel factions; Egypt’s robot detention; fatwas on marital sex and bodybuilding; fishing for plastic in the Nile … all in about 1,500 words! Sudan
Israelis fed up with racist, anti-Muslim behavior of soccer fans Most Beitar Jerusalem soccer team supporters have had enough of the racist and anti-Muslim behavior of La Familia fan club. Israel
Egyptian preacher's fatwa against bodybuilding stirs controversy After Egyptian bodybuilder Big Ramy won the Mr. Olympia 2021 championship, cleric Abdullah Rushdy issued a fatwa prohibiting men from participating in the sport because it reveals intimate parts of the body. Egypt
The Takeaway: Iraq shadowed Colin Powell, but his character showed through even then Pinkwashing in Tunisia?; Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus; Breast reconstruction surgery still taboo in Gaza; Wheelchair basketball scores — all in less than 1,500 words! Iraq
Gazan women find haven at ladies-only pools More resorts in the Gaza Strip are offering ladies-only swimming pools, allowing women to relax and enjoy the sun away from public eyes. Palestine
Qatar to host first Formula 1 Grand Prix in November The Gulf country, which will make its Formula 1 debut in November, also inked a 10-year hosting deal. Qatar
Arab-Israeli soccer player booed by Jewish soccer fans Despite the goals he scored against Faroe Islands and Austria, Israeli-Jewish soccer fans booed Israeli-Arab player Moanes Dabbur. Israel
Will Egypt, Saudi Arabia co-host 2030 World Cup? Saudi and Egyptian media have been circulating reports about a joint Saudi-Egyptian plan to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Egypt
Iranians set records at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Iran is currently leading Middle Eastern states in medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Iran
