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
FIFA red cards Palestinian soccer leader The latest FIFA decision to ban Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub points to the world soccer association’s possible shift in its actions toward Israel and Palestine. Palestine
Tiny fish powers Gaza bodybuilders After a bodybuilder in Gaza City started searching for an affordable protein-rich diet, he found the answer in UNRWA's standard food aid packages. Palestine
The Sabbath revolution shakes Israeli sports New regulations that condition government funding for sports associations on not holding competitions on the Sabbath threaten to financially destroy entire organizations. Israel
Egyptians brace for disappointment as Cairo makes play for 2030 World Cup Cairo hopes that more professional lobbying and a possible joint bid with Morocco and Tunisia could make Egypt a host of the 2030 World Cup, but many citizens are wary of public embarrassment. Egypt
Iran's national team sees popularity boost, but not just because of World Cup The siege mentality that is re-emerging with the return of US sanctions appears to have acted to rally Iranians around the national soccer squad. Iran
Amid economic woes, soccer team performance rallies Iranians around flag Iran’s national soccer team made history in the World Cup by tying Portugal and defeating Morocco, injecting hope and reviving pride in the midst of economic turmoil. Iran
Egyptian artist portrays soccer stars as saints Proud Egyptians have been putting the faces of their soccer team on everything from T-shirts to Ramadan lanterns, but when an artist decided to paint them as saints, all hell broke loose. Egypt
Why Israelis root for Iran, Morocco in World Cup With no team of its own competing in the World Cup, Israelis are supporting others from the Middle East regardless of political differences. Israel
Iranian women win big in fight over right to watch soccer games Iranian women were allowed into Azadi stadium to watch a soccer game alongside men for the first time since the 1979 revolution. Iran
Legendary Iranian soccer player urges consumer boycott to root out ‘thieves’ As consumer prices continue to hit ordinary Iranians hard, a popular former soccer player is leading a consumer boycott on social media in an effort to reduce prices. Iran
Egyptian MPs open Pandora's box on popular soccer team's finances An exchange of accusations between Saudi soccer boss Turki al-Sheikh and Al-Ahly's board opens Pandora's box on the Egyptian soccer team's donations. Saudi Arabia
US recognition of Jerusalem backfires on Israel Argentina's cancellation of a soccer match over the match’s relocation to Jerusalem is a clear sign that most of the world considers large parts of Jerusalem to be occupied land. Palestine
