Culture How Argentina-Spain World Cup final became debate over Israel, Palestine Governments and fans alike have turned teams and players into symbols of political division. Palestine
What we know about UAE blocking X accounts accused of misinformation A number of X accounts including Al Arabiya Breaking are now not accessible in the Gulf state as Abu Dhabi navigates regional turmoil. United Arab Emirates
UAE AI investor MGX moves closer to strategic stake in TikTok US The state-linked Emirati investment firm is set to acquire a 15% stake in the social media platform's new US business as part of a plan that would avert a nationwide ban starting in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Gulf investors emerge as key players in US social media giants TikTok, Snap, X With UAE tech investor MGX set to take a stake in TikTok's US operations, investors from the Middle East could cement their role in America's social media landscape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Sit-in in Morocco’s south still going strong as it enters its seventh year After six years of an uninterrupted sit-in, the inhabitants of Imider in southeast Morocco march to reaffirm their demands. Morocco
Lebanese society on edge with Arsal raid, battle Activists and lawyers defending Syrian refugees in Lebanon and uncovering human rights violations committed against them are receiving threats and are banned from expressing their opinion. Lebanon
Turkey's cyclists bike for a cause In Turkey, bicycling is not only a means of transport and leisure but also, for one group, of social activism. Turkey
Al-Aqsa protests unite Jerusalemites The Palestinians of Jerusalem collaborated to keep the protests against Israel’s restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque ongoing. Palestine
Lebanese activists fight against child marriage with videos Lebanese nongovernmental organizations and artists use videos to create awareness of the risks of early marriage, which affects 6% of all girls in Lebanon. Lebanon
Fans mourn death of Turkey’s somber cartoonist Galip Tekin, who was found dead in his apartment in Istanbul July 6, was well-known for his fantasy and science fiction comics and dystopian comic novels that portrayed everyday events and characters in Turkey. Turkey
In Aden, Yemeni activists still live in fear Two years after Houthi rebels were expelled from Aden, Yemenis are fleeing the port city as militias and extremists are increasingly targeting activists, intellectuals and anyone opposing their views. Yemen
Lebanon's budding hashish business brings high returns Cannabis production in Lebanon has soared by more than 30% since 2012, when spillover from the war in Syria led security forces to focus on deadlier threats like car bombs and Islamic militants. Lebanon
Iranian government confronts Telegram as election approaches Iranian authorities are scrambling to gain control of the messaging app Telegram ahead of the presidential elections, blocking channels by the thousands only to see new ones take their place. Iran
What it's like to use Facebook from inside a Gaza prison It's more than just liking photos and online check-ins; the Gaza Central Prison recently granted access to Facebook for 10 of its prisoners. Palestine
Popular Egyptian TV show takes advantage of social media drama All the world's a stage when it comes to social media, and a new TV series points out why that can be dangerous, while at the same time entertaining Egyptians and garnering high ratings. Egypt
Cinema lovers campaign to reopen theaters in Upper Egypt Egyptians have created a social media campaign calling on the government to bring cinemas back to conservative Upper Egypt. Egypt
