Anghami, the leading music streaming platform in the Middle East, launched its first-ever English/Arabic hip-hop cypher featuring nine renowned Arab rappers and artists. Directed by Hassane Dennaoui, aka Big Hass, the cypher aims to highlight the growing role of hip-hop in the region. The track, produced by Sandhill and featuring DJ Lethal Skillz' scratching, showcases the diversity and richness of Arab culture. The music video was shot in nine different cities and edited by Raed Al Murish. Anghami, founded by Eddy Maroun and Elie Habib, continues to support and nurture the regional music scene, recognizing hip-hop as a significant genre.

Saudi Arabia celebrated its 88th National Day, marking the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1932. The article highlights five facts about the national anthem, including its creation by the poet Khafaji, who was commissioned by King Khalid and later King Fahd to write the lyrics. The anthem, which begins with the word 'Sari'i' meaning 'Hasten,' reflects the kingdom's heritage and pride. Khafaji, a renowned Arab poet, passed away in 2017, leaving a lasting legacy.

Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index reveals that corruption remains widespread in the Arab world, with 16 out of 21 Arab states scoring below 50. The report ranks countries based on perceived public sector corruption, with New Zealand, Denmark, and Switzerland scoring highest globally, while Syria, South Sudan, and Somalia score the lowest. Western Europe is the best performing region, while Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe and Central Asia are the worst. Since 2012, some Arab nations like Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the UAE have improved their scores, while others like Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have declined.

Mohamed Salah won the Puskás Award for goal of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in London, with his solo goal against Everton receiving 38 percent of the votes. The win was controversial, as many expected Gareth Bale's scissor kick or Cristiano Ronaldo's bicycle kick to be the favorites. The fan-voted system and FIFA's integrity were questioned, leading to anger and irritation among football fans on social media.

Al-Azhar Institute, Egypt's highest Sunni Muslim authority, declared all forms of sexual harassment forbidden, labeling it as deviant behavior and sinful. This statement follows recent incidents of sexual harassment in Egypt, including a viral video showing three hijab-wearing women being harassed. Social media responses often blame the victims, and studies show prevalent victim-blaming attitudes. Sexual harassment is criminalized in Egypt, with convictions leading to prison sentences. The issue is also common in other Arab countries.

Since his appointment in June 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has initiated significant reforms in Saudi Arabia, including the reintroduction of cinemas, lifting the driving ban on women, and allowing women to attend sporting events. Representing the aspirations of a young population, MbS advocates for a return to moderate Islam and increased women's rights, emphasizing societal progress and cultural evolution.

Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador and recalled its own envoy after Canada urged the release of detained civil rights activists, including Samar Badawi. Saudi Arabia suspended new trade, investment, and flights with Canada, and halted scholarships for Saudi students in Canada. The UAE, Bahrain, and the Palestinian Authority supported Saudi Arabia's stance, while Canada reiterated its commitment to human rights. The diplomatic fallout could have long-term effects on both countries.

A British tourist in Dubai accumulated 170,000 dirhams ($47,643) in speeding fines within three hours by driving a rented Lamborghini Huracan at 240 km/h on Sheikh Zayed Road. The tourist was caught speeding 33 times, with fines totaling 70,000 dirhams for 12 radar violations and an additional 105,000 dirhams for recovering the impounded car.

Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian teenager who became a global symbol of resistance, was released from prison after serving eight months for slapping and kicking an Israeli soldier. Upon her release, she vowed to continue resisting the occupation and was welcomed by supporters in her hometown. Tamimi met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, visited the tomb of Yasser Arafat, and paid respects to a family member killed by Israeli soldiers. Her arrest and subsequent charges, including allegations of sexual harassment by an Israeli interrogator, highlight ongoing tensions and the Palestinian struggle for freedom.

Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan pledged to cover the medical expenses of Khalifa Dafoos Almehairi, an Emirati man in Houston, Texas, who needed 3 million dirhams for urgent cancer treatment. Almehairi had raised $674,915 through a GoFundMe campaign after his social media plea went viral. The UAE cancer charity Rahma estimates high chemotherapy costs, and the UAE government aims to reduce cancer fatalities by 18% by 2021.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup saw historic participation from four Arab teams, though none advanced past the group stages. Despite this, three Arab players—Saeed from Iraq, Bashar Abdullah from Kuwait, and Majed Abdullah from Saudi Arabia—were named among the 'Top 10 highest international goalscorers of all time' by FourFourTwo magazine. Saeed is celebrated as Iraq's greatest player, Bashar Abdullah is noted for his prolific scoring for Kuwait, and Majed Abdullah, known as the 'Desert Pele,' is recognized for his significant contributions to Saudi Arabian football.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, born on May 6, 1918, in Abu Dhabi, is celebrated as one of modern history's most inspirational leaders. He played a pivotal role in the unification of the UAE and its development, leveraging oil wealth to fund infrastructure and social services. Known for his peace-promoting virtues, his legacy continues to be honored, with 2018 declared the Year of Zayed by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed.

The article discusses the importance of internet access and its consideration as a basic human right. It highlights the efforts of governments, private entities, and organizations in making internet access more affordable, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The article ranks Arab countries based on the monthly cost of broadband access, using data from cable.co.uk.