Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup and aggressive recruitment of top players from elite football clubs across Europe mark another audacious play for state-financed entry into global sports.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund’s recent moves in golf and football showcase Saudi Arabia’s increasing interest in turning sports into a cornerstone of the kingdom’s transformation agenda.
The Bahrain Futsal Academy, co-founded by Ebrahim Khalil Al Mohammed, rallied its community around a first-of-its-kind youth Ramadan futsal tournament – and it’s only just getting started.
Kuwaiti cyclist Abdulrahman Alkhamees hopes to make Arab countries the world’s newest cycling destinations while encouraging audiences to learn about local riders.
Actions of fans at the World Cup have brought world attention to the issue of Palestine, a result both of activism in Qatar in the run-up to the tournament and a lack of popular enthusiasm in the region to normalizing relations with Israel.
For many of Qatar’s neighbors, the World Cup has been an economic boon, potentially paving the way for future cooperation.
Easing away from its embrace of controversial regional political positions, Qatar refreshes its regional and international branding with soft power tourism, sports, and labor reforms.
As Qatar gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in November, Qatar Museums is ensuring that visitors get a taste of the country’s cultural scene through new public art installations.
Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari explains how a simple racket sport became a local favorite across Gulf countries.
The crisis between Iran and Israel may be contained for now, but the breakdown in decision making that led to the end of Iran’s “strategic patience” carries risks going forward.
Learn MoreThrough its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
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