MENA
FIFA official makes Qatar 2022 kick-off call
FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has stated world football’s governing body should consider playing 2022 World Cup matches late at night in Qatar in a bid to overcome difficulties presented by the country’s climate.
Abu Dhabi to host Bowling World Championships
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will host the 2014 World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) World Men’s Championships and the 2015 WTBA World Women’s Championships, the WTBA announced today.
America’s Cup World Series finale comes to NBC
The decisive final day of dramatic racing at the America's Cup (AC) World Series World Series in Newport will be shown coast to coast in the USA on NBC on July 1, signalling the return of live AC racing to network television in the United States for the first time in 20 years.
Saudi backing secures future of FEI’s Nations Cup
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has announced a partnership with the Saudi Equestrian Fund that is set to herald a major revamp of the Nations Cup series, the Federation’s oldest event.
Dubai to host new emerging nations-focused event
Emirates has furthered its ties to the sporting world by backing a new conference dedicated to the topic of emerging nations hosting the world’s biggest sporting events.
Dubai partners Peace and Sport Middle East Forum
The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and the Monaco-based Peace and Sport organisation have formed a strategic alliance, which will see the first Peace and Sport Middle East Forum take place in Dubai in April 2013.
Bahrain’s F1 chief claims organisers made the right call
Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani has claimed the staging of this year’s Formula One grand prix is proof that officials made the correct call in pushing for the event to happen.
F1 brand won’t be harmed by Bahrain GP, Todt claims
International Motorsport Federation (FIA) president Jean Todt has insisted Formula One will not suffer any long-term damage to its brand following the Bahrain Grand Prix, while commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone has maintained that the event has a solid future.
Tense atmosphere surrounds start of controversial Bahrain F1 GP
Formula One’s decision to give the green light to the Bahrain Grand Prix has come under further scrutiny after a group of British lawmakers called on sponsors to “curtail” their backing of the race, while the Force India team found itself caught in the middle of protests.
Doha boosts Olympic claims by landing major squash event
Doha has enhanced its sports event-hosting credentials by agreeing a deal to stage the 2012 PSA World Squash Championship.
Bahrain ready to stage major golf event
The organisers of this weekend’s inaugural Bahrain Invitational golf tournament have insisted that the event will go ahead as planned, as Formula One’s Bahrain Grand Prix continues to come under scrutiny.
Ecclestone claims teams have final say on Bahrain GP
Formula One’s commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has claimed the sport’s teams will have the final say over whether they compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix after local organisers hit out at “scaremongering” surrounding the race.
Formula One teams break ranks over Bahrain GP – report
Formula One’s teams have called on the sport’s stakeholders to cancel, or at least postpone, the forthcoming Bahrain Grand Prix amid continuing concerns over security in the country, according to a report.
FINA transfers World Championship rights to Doha
Qatar has secured another major sporting event after Doha was awarded the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in 2014.
Real Madrid strikes major resort development deal
Real Madrid has unveiled ambitious plans to develop a US$1 billion, club-themed resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Premier League chairman urges clarity over World Cup alcohol issue
English Premier League chairman Dave Richards warned the organisers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar “not to stick their heads in the sand” over issues surrounding alcohol.
Bahrain GP receives key backing
Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have gained important backing in their bid to bring Formula One back to the country after receiving support from Cherif Bassiouni, the chairman of the independent commission which has monitored the fractious situation in the Gulf state over the past year.
Doha 2020 bid team unveils October Olympic Games plan
The bid team behind the Qatari capital of Doha’s attempts to bring the 2020 Olympics to the Middle East has revealed it plans to stage the Games from October 2-18 if it wins the right to host the event.