Sports

Saudis celebrate World Cup announcement

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.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 11: A drone show is seen displaying the words "Welcome to Saudi 34" as Saudi Arabia is announced as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 on December 11, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Christophe Viseux/Getty Images for Saudi Arabian Football Federation)

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.

Dania Akeel

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.

Neymar

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

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Dutch, French leaders denounce attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam

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What’s behind firing of Robert Saleh, NFL’s first Muslim, Lebanese head coach?

Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 29, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur drops out of 2024 tennis circuit

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Trial opens in London for UAE-backed Manchester City: What we know

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United Arab Emirates

Iraq's midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh (L) reacts after scoring during the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup final football match between Iraq and Oman at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city on January 19, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images)

Breaking | Last Updated: January 19, 2023, 5:05 pm

Iraq wins 'Arabian Gulf' Cup championship defeating Oman in Basra

Iraq defeated Oman 3-2 in the historic match in Basra, leading to celebrations throughout the country.

Palestinian female soccer players are seen before a qualifying match against Thailand for the Asian Women Football Cup, al-Ram, West Bank, April 3, 2017.

Palestinian female referee prepares for FIFA Women’s World Cup

Heba Saadia has been selected as the Palestine's first referee to officiate the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 matches.

LIV golf

Explainer: Saudi-funded LIV Golf’s legal battle with PGA

LIV Golf is accused of tracking 9/11 victims who have been protesting the breakaway league. The leader of 9/11 Justice called the accusation “bone-chilling,” and LIV has yet to comment.

ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images

Despite loss, Saudi Arabia scores big at World Cup

In Qatar, a sprawling 18,000 square-meter Saudi House — a large exhibition pavilion erected on Doha’s waterfront — seems to flex the kingdom’s soft-power muscles, as Saudi tries to shake off its ultra-conservative image.

Morocco fans look on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Breaking | Last Updated: December 15, 2022, 10:00 pm

Morocco loses to France, exits World Cup after heroic performance

Morocco became the first Arabic-speaking and African nation ever to reach the World Cup semifinals and has won over millions of fans across the world.

Security forces stand guard during the lighting of the Christmas tree in Sassine Square in the Ashrafieh district of Lebanon's capital Beirut on December 7, 2022. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Morocco's win at World Cup reopens Lebanon's civil war wounds

Lebanon's former prime minister calls for calm amid sectarian clashes in Beirut following Morocco's win against Portugal.

Egyptians watch the 2010 World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Egypt and Algeria, at a cafe in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 18, 2009.

Egyptian cafes see higher revenues during World Cup

The World Cup in Qatar has boosted revenues of Egyptian cafes, as many supporters flock there to watch the games, due to the increasing subscription of beIN Sports channel.

Morocco players celebrate after their win in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Breaking | Last Updated: December 10, 2022, 3:10 pm

Morocco makes history advancing to World Cup semifinals

Morocco defeated Portugal on Saturday, becoming the first Arab and African nation ever to advance to the round of four in the world soccer championship. Today's game against Portugal has inspired jokes about the medieval Muslim conquest of Iberia.

basketball

More basketball teams from West Bank settlements enter Israel’s national league

The Israeli Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation would rather avoid the delicate issue of settlement teams hosting games and playing in the Israel professional national league.

A Tunisia fan with a drum and wearing a traditional dress shows his support during the FIFA World Cup Group D match between Tunisia and France at Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 30, 2022.

Tunisian fans walk away from World Cup with moral boost amid economic hardships

The historic win over France in Qatar has given Tunisian fans a morale boost in times of economic crisis and soaring cost of living.

Children wearing the uniforms of national soccer teams playing at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup line up during the opening ceremony of the "Camps World Cup" at the newly reopened Idlib Municipal Stadium, Idlib, Syria, Nov. 19, 2022.

Syrian children in Idlib take part in own World Cup

Refugee and internally displaced children in Idlib are taking part in the "Camps World Cup" event.

Lebanon fans cheer during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Asian qualification soccer match between the United Arab Emrites and Lebanon at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 2, 2021.

Many Lebanese not able to watch World Cup matches

Many Lebanese have been dismayed by the news that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will not be broadcast on the public channel Tele Liban due to financial difficulties.