Culture Israeli, Turkish stars named to NBA All-Star World team: What to know Deni Avdija and Alperen Sengun are making their first appearances in the premier basketball league’s all-star game as the sport’s profile in the Middle East grows. Israel
Analysis Saudi Arabia downsizes megaprojects, chases cash amid AI push After years of breakneck spending, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship plan to diversify the oil-dependent economy — dubbed Vision 2030 — is facing a fresh round of delays and recalibration as softer oil prices squeeze public finances and force tougher choices. By Samuel Wendel , Jack Dutton
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
With one leg, this Gazan parkour star crosses besieged enclave Official authorities in the Gaza Strip do not recognize parkour as an official sport, but it has become the only breathing space for many young people in the enclave. Palestine
Meet Egypt’s Christian soccer team As Christian football players continue to be rejected from clubs playing in the Egyptian league, the Je Suis team opened the door for these talents to continue doing what they are passionate about. Egypt
Iraq is planning to host Gulf Cup soccer tournament Adnan Dirjal, Iraq's minister of youth and sports, has gotten the ministry to promote health and fitness and is spearheading the nation's bid to host the 25th Arab Gulf Cup in Basra. Iraq
Can World Cup soccer help heal Gulf wounds? Communities torn apart by a yearslong rift between Gulf rulers may need time to heal the wounds of a crisis that damaged social ties that have historically transcended borders. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s first female MMA fighter blazes trail for more women Aya Saeid has become Egypt’s first MMA fighter by breaking stereotypes in the patriarchal society. Egypt
Turkey plays role in livestreaming of northern Syria soccer With the support of Turkey, a Syrian soccer tournament is being broadcast live on the internet, pushing many to follow the games, and advancing the sports sector in the area. Syria
Israeli Deni Avdija to make NBA debut The former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv could become the first international basketball star to come out of Israel. Israel
Doha named 2030 Asian Games host, Riyadh gets 2034 Gulf rivals Qatar and Saudi Arabia were both vying for 2030 hosting rights. Saudi Arabia
Racist fans of Jerusalem soccer club become target of mockery Social media users are mocking La Familia fan club, notorious for its racism, over the deal signed yesterday for an Emirati sheikh to invest in the Beitar Jerusalem soccer club. Israel
Beitar Jerusalem soccer club pursues talks with Emirati investor Owner of Beitar Jerusalem soccer club Moshe Hogeg is determined to ignore threats by La Familia fan club against partnering with an Emirati investor. United Arab Emirates
Women in Gaza take up boxing despite social stigma Despite the patriarchal and religious stigma surrounding female sporting activities in the Gaza Strip, several women and girls have joined a boxing team out of love for this sport. Palestine
Fight Island in Abu Dhabi concludes Saturday with main event featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov The undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov will face American Justin Gaethje in an isolated section of Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, which was set up to host the major mixed martial arts event. Originals
