Saudi Arabia continues to boost its global prestige while diversifying its economy and showcasing its rich national heritage through its love for the game

Another deficit is likely, but it will be in line with EU standards, say Saudi ministers keen to keep investing in the Kingdom's economic diversification away from oil and towards Vision 2030

The humble metro has transformed the world's great cities, inspiring artists and writers along the way. The Saudi capital could be opening both a sustainable future and a city icon.

Gaza, repentance, sexual fluidity, child abduction, and football through adversity all feature in these longlisted works that together reflect the social realities and hopes of today's Middle East

Our fortnightly round-up of the latest Arabic books covering a wide range of topics, reflecting some of the trends and thinking in the Arab world

To realise its immense potential as a cohesive pole in this new global order, the Islamic world needs to decide on the best way forward. Inspiration can be found in the Abbasid model

Our fortnightly round-up of the latest Arabic books covering a wide range of topics, reflecting some of the trends and thinking in the Arab world

In 1511, there were places in Mecca specifically designated for selling and drinking coffee, known as coffee houses. Decades later, the first café opened in Istanbul.

Despite sanctions, Iran is still a big oil producer, with huge refining capacity. It also controls waterways crucial to the flow of Gulf oil. Yet the West has reserves and China's demand is dropping.

Netanyahu is pushing for a 'New Middle East' that erases Palestine from the map. With Trump in the White House, all bets are off. We must act now before it's too late.