Beyond the Headlines: Football history in the making as Arabian Gulf Cup kicks off in Iraq

The Arabian Gulf Cup is returning to Iraq for the first time since 1979.

Coming less than a month after the Fifa World Cup in Qatar, the tournament in the city of Basra represents another electrifying moment for football fans in the region.

This week on Beyond the Headlines, host Robert Tollast takes a closer look at a historic moment in sport for Iraq — and what it means for the country and the region.

Excitement and pride fill the air in Basra city during football Gulf Cup — in pictures

Iraqis mingle with fans from other countries during the Arabian Gulf Cup being held in Basra, Iraq from January 6 to 19. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National
The flags of the eight countries taking part in the tournament are displayed all across the southern port city. Sinan Mahmoud / The National.
A street vendor sells flags of participating countries at Basra Corniche
Omani fan Yahya Al Hashemi, 35, poses for a selfie with an Iraqi fan at Basra Corniche
A statue of the mascot for the 25th edition of the Gulf Cup, Sinbad the Sailor – one of the region's legendary characters
Omani journalist Salah Al Saadi recording Iraqi girls singing on Basra Corniche
Football fans crowded the corniche in Basra
Basra residents are proud to host the tournament after several attempts since 2010, when the security situation started to improve
Flags of participating countries, hats, sports merchandise and souvenirs are displayed in shops and street stalls in Basra

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Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request

What are the regulations?

Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
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Publisher: Konami

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Rating: 4.5/5

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Jetour T1 specs

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1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat