Iraq
The Iran-backed groups shaping Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have struck Iran-backed Shi'ite armed groups in Iraq, which the allies said were responsible for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Saudi Arabia launches official campaign for 2034 World Cup bid
1 min Mena Today
Saudi Arabia officially launched its campaign for the organization of the 2034 World Cup on Friday, being the sole candidate for the hosting rights.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole candidate to host the 2034 World Cup © Mena Today
Saudi Arabia officially launched its campaign for the organization of the 2034 World Cup on Friday, being the sole candidate for the hosting rights.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) unveiled the slogan "Growing. Together." along with the logo of its bid, featuring intertwined multicolored ribbons forming the numbers 3 and 4, adorned with "football imagery and cultural symbols," as explained by the SAFF in a statement.
"This candidacy is made possible only by the rapid transformation of the country," stated Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Federation. It is part of Saudi Arabia's sports diplomacy strategy, which aligns with the broader "Vision 2030" initiative led by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole candidate to host the 2034 World Cup after the quartet of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile withdrew their bid. The first three nations will each host a match of the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Australia also withdrew its candidacy on October 31 for the 2034 tournament.
The official announcement of the host country for the 2034 World Cup is expected to take place by the end of 2024.
Related
Iraq
US and Saudi Arabia launch strikes on Iran's Iraq allies
The United States launched on Wednesday its first airstrikes in the Middle East since suspending its bombing campaign last week, hitting Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq jointly with Saudi Arabia, while Tehran spurned an Omani plan to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi defences down drones fired from Iraq
Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the kingdom's Eastern Province.
Subscribe to our newsletter
