(Credit - Khaleej Times)
Can Another Arab Team Reach World Cup Semis?
If you are following the 2026 World Cup, a recent development changes the environment for Arab nations. With nine Arab countries qualified for the tournament, expectations are rising that another team could make a deep run, following Morocco‘s historic semi-final appearance in 2022.
| Category | Before (2022) | After (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Arab Nations Qualified | 1 (Morocco) | 9 |
| World Cup Format | 32 teams | 48 teams |
For Arab football fans, the key to a successful World Cup campaign lies in several factors, including group-stage seeding, injury and availability of top players, travel and recovery demands, and the ability to win tight matches. The expanded 48-team format in 2026 increases the importance of squad depth, rotation, and marginal gains, such as set pieces and penalty readiness.
The next steps for Arab nations looking to make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup involve:
- Strategic squad selection: Choosing players who can perform well in multiple knockout rounds.
- Effective game management: Managing player workload, substitutions, and tactical decisions to win tight matches.
- Adapting to the new format: Understanding the changed competitive path and knockout rounds in the 48-team format.
Ajman AI programme launches with 100 initiatives
Ajman Kicks Off Ambitious AI Programme with 100 Initiatives
Ajman has officially begun implementing its government-wide AI programme, marking a new phase in the emirate's efforts to integrate artificial intelligence across public sector entities. The programme, which was first launched in May 2026, aims to prepare government entities to adopt AI technologies through a structured institutional framework focused on governance, capacity building, digital enablement, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The executive phase of the programme, announced by Sheikh Humaid bin Ammar Al Nuaimi, Member of the Executive Council and Leader of the Ajman Artificial Intelligence Programme, begins with the activation of Enablement and Governance Committees and the Executive Team, appointing Programme Coordinators across Government Entities, conducting a Comprehensive AI Use Inventory, and preparing the Unified Operational Framework and Initiative Approval Templates. The programme has a three-year implementation period, with four regulatory instruments approved in the first package, and includes 8 pillars of Ajman Vision with a target of 100 AI initiatives.
The rollout is expected to support government departments in incorporating AI into their operations, improving efficiency and enhancing public services while ensuring the technology is used responsibly. This development is part of the UAE's broader strategy to adopt AI, with the UAE Cabinet aiming to deliver half of all government services through AI agents within two years and training 80,000 government workers in AI agent use.
The launch of the Ajman AI programme reflects the emirate's commitment to digital transformation and its people-first approach. As the programme progresses, it is expected to have a significant impact on the daily lives of Ajman residents, with improved public services and more efficient governance. With its ambitious targets and comprehensive framework, the Ajman AI programme is set to be a model for other emirates and governments in the region.
The programme's focus on governance, capacity building, and digital enablement will help ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of society. As Ajman continues to roll out its AI programme, it is likely to face challenges and opportunities, and its experience will be closely watched by other governments and entities in the region.
In the context of Dubai's strategic development plans, such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to make Dubai a sustainable and resilient city, the Ajman AI programme can be seen as a complementary initiative that supports the UAE's overall vision for a connected and innovative society. However, the Ajman AI programme has its own unique targets and initiatives, and its success will depend on its ability to deliver on its promises and make a positive impact on the lives of Ajman residents.
FIFA World Cup funding dispute: US cities seek $1 million each
US Cities Demand $1 Million Each in FIFA World Cup Funding
Multiple US cities that hosted World Cup matches are seeking millions of dollars they believe world soccer's governing body, FIFA, promised them. Four executives from World Cup cities, speaking anonymously, told The Athletic that FIFA management told them they would each receive $1 million in "legacy" funds to build football-related infrastructure and support "social projects". The US cities of Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston, and New York/New Jersey were among the host venues for the World Cup held in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The 39-day tournament, expanded to 48 teams for the first time, has contributed to record FIFA revenues reportedly hitting $15 billion for the revenue cycle of 2023-26. The dispute adds to growing scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is under fire from European confederation Uefa and some of its counterparts, as well as some within FIFA, over his since-abandoned proposal to open the World Cup to private investment.
New York/New Jersey Stadium, one of the host venues, is among the cities seeking payment. The cities had requested the payments after Gianni Infantino announced such payments to host cities of the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States. According to the executives, FIFA management repeatedly assured the cities they would receive the same $1 million contribution towards legacy, despite no public statement ever being made by the organization.
The US cities are seeking the funds to support local football infrastructure and social projects, following FIFA's record revenues. The dispute is the latest development in the ongoing controversy surrounding FIFA's financial dealings and Infantino's leadership.
The Athletic reported that officials from the cities had requested the payments, but FIFA has not yet made the payments, prompting the cities to seek updates on the status of the funds. The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges facing FIFA and its leadership, as the organization navigates the complexities of hosting major international tournaments and managing its financial relationships with host cities.
Gianni Infantino Crisis Meeting
Infantino Faces Re-election Uncertainty
Gianni Infantino will hold a crisis meeting with top Fifa officials in Morocco on Wednesday. The Fifa president has been the subject of a torrent of criticism since he floated the idea of the new commercial rights body to Fifa's 211 member associations last week. The proposed sale of 20% of the body to private investment to raise $4.2 billion, and the involvement of a company with family links to US President Donald Trump, were just the most egregious flaws in the plan for its many critics.
Fifa's European confederation, Uefa, has accused him of selling the soul of the game and have said they no longer have confidence in his leadership. This has cast a shadow over Infantino's re-election for a fourth term at the Fifa Congress in Morocco in March, which looked a foregone conclusion two months ago. A handful of European federations have withdrawn their backing for the Swiss-Italian, and some of Infantino's colleagues at Fifa have also spoken out against him. Fifa Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom sent an internal memo to staff lamenting the "sad and reproachable series of events" that led to the project being "permanently abandoned".
The first order of Wednesday's meeting at Fifa's Africa office in Sale is likely to focus on ensuring that Infantino at least survives the seven months until the election. An Extraordinary Congress could be called if 43 or more Fifa member associations make a formal written request for one. Uefa, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation are determined to force Infantino out of office by paralysing Fifa and even starting up their own competitions if he refuses to go.
This crisis meeting comes after a tumultuous week for Infantino, with his senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigning in protest at the plan and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger distancing himself from it. Wenger, the chief of Global Football Development at Fifa, said he was not involved in the drafting of the proposal and maintained the decision to withdraw it was "absolutely necessary".
The fallout from the proposed sale of World Cup commercial rights has been intense, with many questioning Infantino's leadership and vision for the future of football. As the crisis meeting gets underway, one thing is clear: the fate of Gianni Infantino's presidency hangs in the balance.
Air India Turbulence: 300-Foot Drop Injures Passengers
Turbulence Horror: Air India Flight Drops 300 Feet, Injuring Passengers
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence, causing the aircraft to drop 300 feet and injuring multiple passengers and crew members. Passengers were thrown into the air as the plane was rocked by violent jolts, with some hitting the cabin ceiling before falling back into their seats or onto the aisle. The flight landed safely in Delhi, but the incident has raised questions about what causes such turbulence and how it can be avoided.
Aviation experts say the aircraft most likely encountered severe atmospheric instability linked to monsoon weather, including powerful updrafts, downdrafts, or wind shear associated with thunderstorm activity. Turbulence occurs when an aircraft flies through unstable air, and it can be triggered by thunderstorms, powerful vertical air currents, jet streams, or sudden changes in wind speed and direction. At this time of year, flights between Phuket and Delhi often pass through active monsoon weather over the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, where towering cumulonimbus clouds can generate intense updrafts and downdrafts.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises passengers to keep their seat belts fastened whenever they are seated, even when the seat belt sign is switched off, because severe turbulence can occur without warning. This is because the seat belt sign indicates that conditions are considered safe enough for passengers to move around the cabin if necessary, but it does not mean turbulence cannot occur unexpectedly. Keeping the belt loosely fastened while seated allows passengers to remain comfortable while providing immediate protection in case of unexpected turbulence.
The Air India turbulence incident is a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for passengers to follow safety guidelines, including keeping their seat belts fastened at all times when seated. As the investigation into the incident continues, passengers and crew members who were on the flight are still trying to come to terms with the terrifying ordeal they experienced.
This incident is similar to previous cases of severe turbulence that have occurred in the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with flying through unstable air.
SpaceX Rocket Moon Crash: UAE Observatory Monitors Impact
Abu Dhabi Observatory Tracks SpaceX Moon Crash
On August 5, 2026, a SpaceX rocket piece crashed into the moon, and the UAE's Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi attempted to observe the impact. The object, a school-bus-size second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket, had been floating in space since January 2025. Astronomical calculations indicated that the rocket would collide with the lunar surface at 06:34:31 UTC on August 5, 2026.
The impact was expected to eject approximately 450 cubic meters of lunar soil and rock, equivalent to about 1,100 metric tons of material. However, due to the daylight conditions and the moon's low altitude, the observation was particularly challenging. The Al Khatm Observatory directed its main telescope toward the moon and continuously imaged the impact site from one minute before the predicted collision until five minutes afterward. Unfortunately, no impact flash or visible emission of lunar material was detected.
The event was considered worth monitoring, despite the uncertainty surrounding the visibility of the impact effects. Scientists had predicted that the effects could range from a brief impact flash to a cloud of dust and rocks ejected by the collision, or possibly no visible effects at all. The Al Khatm Observatory's efforts were part of a global observation effort, with researchers around the world awaiting the results of the monitoring.
The crash occurred on the left-hand limb of the moon, just to the left of the plus (+) marker in an image provided by the Astronomy Centre. The impact site was located near the lunar limb, making it difficult to detect any ejecta that might have been thrown into space. The maximum angular separation from the lunar disk was estimated to be only about 1.5 arcseconds, an extremely small distance that would make detection difficult even with large telescopes.
The UAE's observation of the SpaceX rocket moon crash highlights the country's growing interest in space science and astronomy. The Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory's efforts demonstrate the importance of monitoring and studying celestial events, even if the effects are not immediately visible.
In the context of the UAE's growing space program, this event is a significant milestone. The country has been actively involved in various space-related initiatives, including the launch of its own satellites and participation in international space missions. The observation of the SpaceX rocket moon crash reflects the UAE's commitment to advancing its space capabilities and contributing to the global understanding of space science.
