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
Qatari royal’s Manchester United takeover to be announced ‘soon’: report Al-Watan paper, which is owned by Jassim’s father Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, reported late Sunday that the Qatari bid for the Red Devils had been successful. Qatar
Analysis Saudi-funded LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour changes US sports landscape The Saudi Public Investment Fund now holds a major stake in a US sports competition, leading to both economic and political ramifications. Criticism of the Saudi investment in professional golf is continuing, including in Congress. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis What MBS' latest sports reforms mean for soccer in Saudi Arabia Talk of privatization of the sports sector is nothing new in the kingdom, but experts believe the changes might help the Saudi Pro League lure in more big names. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Karim Benzema to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia's Pro League Reports emerged this week that the 35-year-old French striker was offered a two-year contract worth €400 million to move to the Saudi Pro League's Al Ittihad. Saudi Arabia
World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Syrian girls play soccer among ghosts of Islamic State Raqqa's first-ever girls' soccer team is blooming where Islamic State once terrorized the society. Syria
Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim awaits Manchester United decision as West Ham rumors swirl A report by El Pais linked the Qatari royal to the east London-based team. Qatar
Qatari royal submits last-ditch $6.2 billion offer for Manchester United The updated offer, submitted Tuesday, is believed to be close to £5 billion ($6.2 billion) but shy of the current owners’ £6 billion ($7.4 billion) valuation for the soccer club. Gulf
FC Barcelona 'hugely confident' on Messi return despite Saudi bid The Catalonian soccer team are in a tug-of-war with Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal to snap up the 2022 World Cup winner. Gulf
Lionel Messi move to Saudi Arabia from PSG 'a done deal': Report Jorge Messi said the decision on a transfer of the 2022 World Cup winner will not be taken until the end of the season. Gulf
Cristiano Ronaldo world’s highest paid athlete at $136 million Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ 2023 list of the highest grossing athletes playing soccer in Saudi Arabia, which also gave tens of millions of dollars in upfront guarantees to top earners Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. Gulf
Qatari royal to invest $1bn more in Manchester United bid: report Despite the sweetened offer from the Qatari banker, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be the favorite to buy the English soccer club, according to reports. Gulf
