Morocco’s markets rise as World Cup spending fuels largest IPO in decades Shares in SGTM jumped by 10% on Dec. 16 after the construction firm raised roughly $550 million from its IPO, underscoring demand in a market that has featured few new listings in recent years. Morocco
Iran’s World Cup players face US visa uncertainty over military service: What to know The head of Iran’s soccer body said this week that some players might not receives visa to the US due to their military service. Iran
Culture World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes. Iran
Culture AWSN predicts soaring Saudi Arabia demand for women’s sports apparel All Women’s Sports Network, a television network founded by Hollywood actor Whoopi Goldberg at the end of 2024, is expected to launch in Saudi Arabia later this month. Saudi Arabia
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
Dubai to host region's first snow volleyball tournament With the four-day tournament, Dubai is hoping to bolster its reputation as a destination for snow sports enthusiasts. United Arab Emirates
Iran strikes gold at Paralympics Iranian athletes are currently atop the Middle East in medals won at the international sporting competition for disabled athletes, and one could soon make history in women's archery. Iran
First Arab-Israeli athlete to win gold medal in Paralympic Games The recognition and congratulations by Israeli Jewish politicians over the achievement of swimmer Iyad Shalabi reflect societal changes that were long overdue. Israel
Disabled Gazans compete in basketball tournament Disabled Gazan basketball players are competing in a fifth annual tournament put on by the Palestinian Paralympic Committee and other organizations. Culture
