From fighting boys to Saudi Olympic history for female taekwondo star
Abha, Saudi Arabia - Saudi taekwondo standout Donia Abu Taleb had an unusual introduction to the sport: for years she trained...
Israel out of Euro 2024 chase, Ukraine in dramatic fightback
Israel's hopes of reaching the European Championships for the first time against the background of bloody conflict at home were...
Geostrategy
Tel Aviv-Doha World Cup flights draws criticism from Qatari activists
While Qatar's Gulf neighbours Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates established relations with Israel through agreements mediated by the United...
- The protest led by Qatar Youth Against Normalization was small but noticeable in a state where citizens very rarely speak out against authorities
- Qatar has stated that normalisation with Israel is contingent to the establishment of a Palestinian state
US becomes first World Cup team to arrive in Qatar
An unknown number of players were on a Qatar Airways jet from New York that was among the first flights...
- The United States are playing in the finals for the first time in eight years and will be in one of the most politically-charged games
- The American team are staying at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski on the Pearl, an artificial island north of Doha favored by expatriates
Geostrategy
Qatar Airways official discards ‘rumors’ as airport expansion begins
After the multi-billion dollar overhaul, Hamad International Airport will take its capacity from 40 million passengers a year to 58...
- The expansion adds 39 airport gates to the existing 140 at the airport, which is a major hub for transit passengers.
- Qatar Airways has also eliminated 18 destinations from its schedule to increase flights from key World Cup markets.
Geostrategy
Special World Cup flights to carry Israeli and Palestinian fans: FIFA
A deal was brokered between Qatar and Israel, who do not have diplomatic relations, so that flights are "temporarily operated"...
- More than 10,000 Israeli and Palestinian fans have tickets fan passes. Israel severely restricts access to its main Ben Gurion Airport for residents of the Palestinian territories.
- FIFA said Palestinian access would be "subject to Israel's security requirements and operational capabilities".
Business
Qatar has thousands of World Cup rooms available: Accommodation official
There are at least 25,000 rooms free even during the peak days of the World Cup, expected between November 24...
- For accommodation bookings, neighbouring Saudi Arabia has been the top market, followed by the United States, Mexico, Argentina, India, Britain, Brazil, Canada, Iran and Japan.
- Qatar is the smallest country to hold the World Cup, leaving many foreign fans worrying about prices and the availability of rooms.
Business
Adidas picks new CEO
The new CEO is being given a five-year contract, the firm said.
- Bjorn Gulden, the Norwegian former professional football and handball player will take on the role from January next year
- He has held senior roles at companies including shoe retailer Deichmann and clothing and sports equipment company Helly Hansen.
Videos
Middle East’s sports path to boosting tourism
The Arabian Gulf countries have hosted some of the biggest sporting events during the past decade. The World Cup is...
- Doha and Riyadh have been selected to host the upcoming editions of the Asian Games---Doha in 2030 and Riyadh in 2034.
- The mountain resort of Trojene, which is being developed in Saudi Arabia's futuristic Neom city, will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Business
World Cup buzz includes drills, hammers as Qatar races to be ready
A short drive north, sparks from drills and grinders light up a Doha golf club, where workers are constructing a...
- Across the Qatari capital, new hotels are opening, spectacular street art has gone on display and the flags of the 32 competing nations dominate avenues
- At the Katara 'cultural village', a huge white hotel resembling India's Taj Mahal remains part-shrouded in scaffolding
Geostrategy
Qatar authorities seize 144 counterfeit World Cup trophies
The interior ministry of Qatar said officers launched an operation "acting on a piece of information about a website that...
- The Qatari ministry has released a photo showing the 144 life-sized trophies laid out across a floor and stated that "further legal procedures will be followed".
- In June, Qatar warned drivers for having illegal World Cup logo on car number plates, after special plates were sold in online auctions.
Business
Sanchez the patriarch of Qatar’s football family
Under Sanchez, Qatar have already caused a major surprise once at a major tournament in the Middle East, beating Japan...
- Under Sanchez, Qatar have already caused a major surprise once at a major tournament in the Middle East, beating Japan to take the Asian Cup in 2019
- The Spaniard has spent 16 years coaching at various levels in Qatar, having learned his trade over 10 years with Barcelona's youth teams
From fighting boys to Saudi Olympic history for female taekwondo star
Abha, Saudi Arabia - Saudi taekwondo standout Donia Abu Taleb had an unusual introduction to the sport: for years she trained...
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Educational institutions are shaping UAE’s tomorrow
"Dubai's schools attract students of various nationalities seeking holistic education. These schools emphasize well-rounded education, with a sports culture enhancing...
Arts & Culture
Esports scores big for Saudi economy, culture & jobs
The Kingdom, with its passion for sports and tech, is set to reshape the competitive gaming landscape by hosting the...
Arts & Culture
No suspension for Mazraoui over Gaza post, says Bayern Munich
Berlin, Germany - Bayern Munich on Friday said defender Noussair Mazraoui would not be suspended, after a probe into the Moroccan...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Middle East emerges as a global esports powerhouse
The Middle Eastern region, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is swiftly becoming a global esports hub, driven by...
- The Middle Eastern region, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is swiftly becoming a global esports hub, driven by its vast gamer community and strategic investments
- The region's esports growth transcends gaming, with stakeholders from elite teams to media firms collaboratively shaping the region's live entertainment future
Women’s squad seeks its share of Saudi football boom
A FIFA+ documentary released last month tracks how the national team has seized on new freedoms, contrasting the hostility its...
- The Saudi women squad only formed two years ago and entered the FIFA rankings in March, at 171st place
- The eager Saudi players are standard-bearers for broader changes afoot in Saudi Arabia
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia announces bid to host World Cup in 2034
The bid "intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia's ongoing social and economic transformation...
- Sport is a major component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transforms Saudi Arabia into a tourism and business hub.
- In the coming weeks, the kingdom is set to host the final LIV Golf League tournament of the regular season and a boxing match featuring Anthony Joshua.