Culture Iran war hits Saudi gaming drive as Esports Nations Cup pushed to 2027 The postponement is a blow for the kingdom, which has made growing its esports sector one of the main priorities under its Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia
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
Culture What a Zidane pick to coach France means in post-Deschamps era After the loss in the semifinals, French-Algerian football star Zinedine Zidane will replace the retiring Didier Deschamps as coach of Les Bleus. Algeria
France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing Following the loss, no Arab or African teams remain in the tournament. Morocco
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
Team Emirates rider wins Tour de France as cycling gains legs in Middle East The region is warming to investments in sports such as cycling as governments in the region seek to expand their sports diplomacy and soft power. Legacy: Gulf
Saudis ready for kingdom’s first women’s soccer league Saudi female soccer players are eagerly waiting for Saudi Arabia’s first women’s soccer league to be launched in October, after being delayed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi investor surprises Israelis, interested in Jerusalem soccer club Despite — or because of — the racist attitude of Beitar Jerusalem’s fan club, an Abu Dhabi investor is now interested in investing in the soccer team and developing coexistence. Israel
Women in Gaza turn to bodybuilding Despite the fact that bodybuilding is frowned upon in Palestinian society for women, some girls and women in the Gaza Strip have become interested in this sport. Palestine
Saudi Arabia permanently cancels license of Qatar's beIN Sports The popular Doha-based sports network had been officially blocked in Saudi Arabia since the 2017 diplomatic row between the two Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
First series of Fight Island UFC events wraps up in Abu Dhabi Several fighters of Middle Eastern heritage competed in the event without fans in the Emirati city on Sunday. United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi to host 'Fight Island' MMA event The United Arab Emirates will hold the isolated UFC event on Yas Island with health precautions in place, as the combat sport continues to grow in the Middle East. Originals
