Beshara | The National

Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.

If there was one story lighting up my social feeds this morning, it was Egypt's historic World Cup win. A few of my friends stayed up into the early hours to watch the match and judging by the celebrations online, they were far from alone. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Mahmoud Trezeguet helped secure a 3-1 win over New Zealand, giving Egypt its first-ever World Cup victory.

The memes, celebrations and emotional reactions have been impossible to miss and it is hard not to feel happy for a nation that has waited so long for this moment.

Also included in this week's Beshara is an inspiring tale about the importance of chasing happiness. As someone whose playlist is probably 50 per cent K-pop at this point, I was immediately drawn to an essay from BTS fan Jennifer Barretto. The Dubai resident flew to Seoul a day after finishing 18 rounds of chemotherapy to see her favourite band perform. Barretto says she was “travelling towards joy”.

And finally, a story that many parents in the UAE may have welcomed with a sigh of relief. The country's new social media policy will prevent children under 15 from having personal social media accounts. Experts say it could help address online dependence, improve well-being and help pupils be more “emotionally available to learn”

Thoraya Abdullahi,

Deputy Social Media Editor

Do you have a Beshara you'd like to share with us? You can reach Fatima at FAlMahmoud@thenationalnews.com.

Deb Jones, deputy head pastoral at Dubai College, believes the UAE ban on social media usage for children under the age of 15 could inspire a cultural shift with big gains that include young people being more present in the real world. Photo: Dubai College

The UAE has brought in a new law that restricts the use of social media among children under the age of 15.

Experts say that - though the decision may not be popular among the affected children - it should improve wellbeing and help pupils flourish in and beyond school.

Deb Jones, deputy head of pastoral at Dubai College, said it could also help inspire a cultural shift so pupils were no longer fixed on online trends but instead related to the world around them.

My colleague, Evelyn Lau, wrote about growing up without social media and how it opens up opportunities for more hobbies and in-person interactions.

– Jennifer Barretto on how tickets to a BTS concert in South Korea kept her going throughout her breast cancer treatment in Dubai.

Merlin has become a viral internet sensation and the unofficial mascot for Mexico during the World Cup after being spotted in a green Mexican national football team jersey during the tournament's opening week. EPA

The Fifa World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events around the globe. It is often remembered for its goals, upsets and moments of heartbreak, but some of its most memorable stories happen away from the pitch.

From emotional celebrations and historic firsts to acts of kindness between fans, this year's tournament has already delivered plenty of moments that have brought fans together and highlighted football's ability to unite people across borders. Here are some of the best.