Eight Arab national teams are competing in the FIFA World Cup. In the opening round, which concluded on Wednesday (17), draws secured by Saudi Arabia and Qatar came as surprises. Egypt and Morocco also drew their matches. Jordan, Iraq, Algeria, and Tunisia were defeated.
Author: From the Newsroom
Workers install the new Kiswa, a black silk and gold-embroidered cloth that covers the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on Tuesday (16), marking the Islamic New Year. The occasion is celebrated across Muslim countries, many of which observe a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
The United States and Iran said they had reached an agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Markets reacted positively to the announcement.
The teams played to a 1–1 draw in their first Group C match, held in New Jersey, United States.
The institution says economic activity in the Middle East and North Africa will be affected by regional conflict. Growth is expected to slow from the 4% projected for 2025.
A Brazilian officiating team will oversee the Arab side’s opening match against Belgium on Monday (15). The tournament’s opening game also featured a Brazilian referee.
Fans will be able to watch the World Cup match free of charge in the São Paulo museum’s outdoor area and auditorium. Activities and pre-match programming will begin on Saturday morning (13).
Next week, the Brazilian Embassy in Beirut and the Guimarães Rosa Institute will present the 8th edition of the Brazilian Film Festival, featuring the Lebanese premiere of the acclaimed film The Secret Agent.
The Brazilian Academy of Letters, in Rio de Janeiro, will host the signing of a technical cooperation agreement between the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali) and the American University of Sharjah.
The Embassy of Jordan in Brasília held an event on Monday (8) to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, marked by the Proclamation of Independence on May 25, 1946. According to the embassy, the reception hosted by Jordanian Ambassador Maen Masadeh was attended by Brazilian authorities and members
A survey by Visa highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in purchases made by consumers in the UAE. Among respondents, 93% said the technology makes shopping faster and easier.
In the latest round of warm-up matches ahead of the tournament, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan suffered defeats, while Iraq, Qatar and Morocco drew. Saudi Arabia secured a win, and Algeria will take the field on Tuesday (9).
Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, chairman of the Emirates Franchise Association, said a growing number of franchise brands are choosing the country for expansion and outlined efforts to help Emirati brands enter global markets.
According to industry group ABPA, exports surpassed USD 1 billion in a single month for the first time in May. Sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE increased compared to May 2025, when Brazil was facing an avian influenza crisis.
