BOSTON, USA: The expanded 48-team World Cup has made giant-killings significantly more likely, according to experts, but the longer and more demanding tournament still favors the traditional heavyweight sides best equipped to sustain their level through five knockout rounds. FIFA expanded the tourn»»»

LISBON: Portugal ‌has asked the EU, Spain and Morocco to have extra firefighting aircraft ready in case wildfires worsen during the current heatwave, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on Friday. He said the unusual move was prompted not by a shortage of national resources, but by what he describe»»»

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has strengthened responsible artificial intelligence innovation in education through the AI Sandbox in Digital Learning initiative, led by the National e-Learning Center. The initiative forms part of SDAIA’s ongoing efforts to support the»»»

MUNICH: Bayern Munich on Friday announced Germany defender Nathaniel Brown has joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal running until 2031. The defending Bundesliga champions paid a reported fee of 55 million euros ($63 million) to Frankfurt to bring Brown, 23, to the club, where he will »»»

Air Arabia Group has announced new opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals through an upcoming cabin crew recruitment drive across Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, opening doors for candidates seeking to build a career in the aviation industry. The initiative is aimed at candidates seek»»»

African startups raised $1.44bn during the first half of this year, marginally surpassing the $1.42bn secured in H1 2025, as investors concentrated capital in fewer but significantly larger funding rounds despite a subdued global venture capital market. H1 2026 funding data show startups completed »»»

An Indian-founded global payments company has chosen Hungary as the base for its European expansion after receiving a key financial licence from the Hungarian National Bank (MNB). PAY TEN EU Kft., the Hungarian subsidiary of Pay10, has been granted an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence, all»»»

The school term is ending, the temperatures are rising and the airport is full. Peak summer has finally arrived. I’m still getting used to these sweltering weeks, despite growing up in Saudi Arabia (the UK has softened me up). I’m currently in the ‘how does it get even hotter than this?’ stage as w»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in partnership with Al Meera Consumer Goods Company, is hosting the Pakistan Fruit Festival from July 2 to 8 across 15 almeera stores in Doha. Held during the peak summer harvest season, the festival celebrates Pakistan’s rich agricultur»»»

Vancouver: Switzerland moved into the last 16 of the World Cup with a controlled 2-0 win against Algeria on Thursday. The Swiss will face the winners of Friday's tie between Colombia and Ghana. The effervescent Johan Manzambi created the first goal in Vancouver, surging down the left wing before cr»»»

Los Angeles, United States: Portugal battled into the last 16 of the World Cup with a drama-filled 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday to set up a titanic showdown with European champions Spain. In another nerve-shredding World Cup classic, Goncalo Ramos headed Portugal into the lead in the fourth»»»

VANCOUVER: Switzerland moved into the last 16 of the World Cup with a controlled 2-0 win against Algeria on Thursday. The Swiss will face the winners of Friday’s tie between Colombia and Ghana. The effervescent Johan Manzambi created the first goal in Vancouver, surging down the left wing before cr»»»

The final proposal for the 17th amendment to the Basic Law will be submitted to the National Assembly shortly — this week or at the latest at the beginning of next week — Péter Magyar announced at the government spokesperson's briefing on Thursday. The Prime Minister said the government had discuss»»»

LOS ANGELES: European champions Spain cruised into the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday with a dominant 3-0 win over Austria to set up a potential showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header sealed victory for the Spaniards, who produced t»»»

With a staggering investment of nearly $32 billion, Abu Dhabi-based TAQA and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, alongside other international and local players, have been granted contracts for six major green hydrogen projects in Southern Morocco, set to transform the nation’s energy landscape. The Morocca»»»

Almost 1.2 million undocumented migrants have applied for legal status in Spain, with more than 600,000 requests already being processed, figures released on Thursday show. Initial forecasts predict that around half a million applications will be successful. Almost 1.2 million undocumented migrants»»»

LOS ANGELES: European champions Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal aim to book their places in the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday as Algeria look to salvage some pride for African football. Spain take on Austria in Los Angeles, where a win will keep them on course for a potential meeting »»»

Abu Dhabi: With the arrival of holiday seasons and increased travel both within and outside the country, families and individuals are placing greater emphasis on taking the necessary precautions to safeguard their homes and possessions during periods of absence. While travel offers relaxation and e»»»

The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) in Dubai honored Schools of Research Science (SRS) in recognition of its contribution to supporting sustainable endowment (waqf) initiatives. Represented by Al Shamsi, Schools of Research Science received a certificate of appreciation presented on beha»»»

Doha: The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) has signed a funding agreement with QatarDebate Center, founded by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, to support local debating leagues and championships and expand the Center’s educational publications. Under the a»»»

Los Angeles, United States: Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from the brink of a calamitous World Cup exit as co-hosts the United States swept into the last 16 with victory in their primetime clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another breathless day of World Cup action kicked off with Engla»»»

QNA Doha The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) has signed a funding agreement with QatarDebate Center- founded by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development - to support local debating leagues and championships and expand the centre’s educational publications. Under t»»»

Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing efforts to support livelihoods and promote economic development in vulnerable communities, Qatar Charity (QC), through its Mali branch, has implemented a qualitative project aimed at empowering 68 beneficiaries, including women, youth, and low-income»»»

MUNICH: Bayern Munich have signed Morocco’s World Cup standout Ismael Saibari from Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven for a reported fee of $63 million. The 25-year-old Saibari signed a contract through June 2031 and will wear the No. 34 jersey at Bayern, the Bavarian powerhouse announced Wednesday. Saib»»»

Munich, Germany: Bayern Munich on Wednesday announced the signing of Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven until 2031. The midfielder joins the German champions for a reported fee of 50 million ($57 million). An attacking midfielder with a goal threat, the 25-year-old will»»»

Doha, Qatar: In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of emotional intelligence – empathy, mindfulness, self-awareness – is becoming a necessary skill. Recognizing this, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) education model places values and empathy at its core, and this is illustrated through initiativ»»»

NEW JERSEY, USA: France’s fearsome foursome of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olize and Bradley Barcola leaves opponents exclaiming: Sacré bleu! “Their four up front is the best in the competition by far,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said. France became the first nation to score three or »»»

MIAMI: Uthy spent seven years in medical school training to become a doctor in Haiti. On the cusp of graduation, she fled the country three years ago to the US with her husband, young child and a dream to return when it was safe. Uthy, who holds Temporary Protected Status, now lives in fear that sh»»»

DUBAI: Dutch Moroccan Egyptian model Imaan Hammam took to the runway at Jacquemus’ highly anticipated “Le Bonheur” fashion show, staged on the rocky Ile de la Pietra in Corsica. The exclusive co-ed presentation saw Hammam walk a dramatic runway built into the slopes of the islet, leading to the ico»»»

MEDORA, North Dakota: President Donald Trump is traveling to North Dakota on Wednesday to dedicate a museum honoring Theodore Roosevelt, invoking the Republican president’s legacy as he promotes a message of American greatness ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. The visit comes as Trump has embrac»»»

DAMMAM: Saudi Reef Academy is expanding efforts to promote sustainable rural development through a specialized initiative that equips beekeepers with modern skills and supports high-quality local honey production. The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Eastern Province branch o»»»

Atlanta: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric will make history when two outfield players aged over 40 face off for the first time in a World Cup as Portugal take on Croatia in Friday's last-32 clash. But both men are facing questions over whether their status as national heroes is now more of a burde»»»

Doha: The Katara Cultural Village Foundation has announced the shortlist of 18 works for the 12th edition of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel. The shortlist, presented in alphabetical order, includes works in the categories of published and unpublished novels, young adult novels, historical novels»»»

Doha, Qatar: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouabhi believes the belief forged during the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals has transformed his side’s mentality, insisting they have what it takes to go even deeper in this year’s football showpiece after a dramatic last-16»»»

Los Angeles, United States: Kylian Mbappe extended his red-hot scoring streak to fire France past Sweden and into the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday as Norway and Mexico both won their opening knockout round games. Mbappe took his tally for the tournament to six goals -- making him joint top-s»»»

Catherine Beth Washburn, seen here in an undated photo provided by the Justice Department, was arrested and charged Tuesday for allegedly providing tens of thousands of dollars to a U.S. designated terrorist organization. Photo courtesy Justice Department/Release July 1 (UPI) -- Federal authorities»»»

Manila: The Philippine passport has posted another modest improvement in global travel mobility, according to the latest Passport Index dashboard. This highlights gradual gains in visa access even as Filipinos continue to face visa requirements across much of Europe -- particularly the 29-member Sc»»»

Los Angeles, United States: Paraguay sensationally sent four-time champions Germany crashing out of the World Cup on Monday as Brazil and Morocco clinched dramatic victories to reach the last 16. Germany's hopes of mounting a deep run at the tournament ended at Foxborough's Gillette Stadium with th»»»

WASHINGTON: Spain march into their World ‌Cup last-32 clash against Austria on the back of an unbeaten run of 34 matches, a defense yet to be breached and an old question still nagging away — what happens when all that possession runs into a locked door? Luis de la Fuente’s European champions face »»»

Rabat: The State of Qatar, represented by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), participated in the 74th Executive Council Meeting and the 29th General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), held on June 29-30 in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco. The Qatari delegation was headed by »»»

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states' rights to ban transgender girls from girls' sports Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that states can ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports at publicly funded schools. Just»»»

Dubai: What began as a simple idea to showcase Dubai’s unique identity has evolved into one of the city’s most recognisable global symbols. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, has honoured Ali Hassan Al Marzouqi, the man behind the proposal»»»

THE HAGUE: Soccer fans clashed with police in The Hague and celebrated in Casablanca after Morocco sent the Netherlands to their earliest World Cup exit, eliminating the Dutch on penalties on Monday night. The Netherlands has a sizable Moroccan community and fans of the Morocco soccer team were in »»»

AMMAN — The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) has announced the second edition of the Jordan Fintech Festival 2026, which will be held on September 23–24 at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea.The event is being organised in partnership with the Association of Banks in Jordan an»»»

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, reviewed the progress of key education initiatives under Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy during a meet»»»

Football may well be the people’s opiate. Few spectacles rival it for drama or debate, as evidenced by this year’s FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. With the elation and heartbreak comes spending. Whereas once fans crossed deserts, now they cross oceans to wat»»»

LOS ANGELES: France unleash their devastating forward line on Sweden in a last-32 tie at the World Cup on Tuesday, while Erling Haaland will try to fire Norway past the Ivory Coast into the next round. Co-hosts Mexico meanwhile bid to continue their journey in front of a fervent crowd at the Estadi»»»

DOHA: Top US envoys are in Qatar ​on Tuesday, but uncertainty over the timing and content of any diplomatic talks raised questions over efforts to bring a lasting halt to the Iran war and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The White House ​said ‌US ⁠President Donald ​Trump’s son-in-law ⁠Jared Kushn»»»

Monterrey, Mexico: Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman cast doubt on his future on Monday after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco eliminated his team from the World Cup. Koeman said he was still coming to grips with the result at Monterrey Stadium, which marked the Netherlands' earliest exit at the Wo»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Spring Grants programme, awarding support to 48 film projects from 39 countries as part of its continued commitment to nurturing independent cinema and emerging filmmaking talent from Qatar, the Middle East and arou»»»