EA FC launch day remains one of the most anticipated dates on the gaming calendar, and the latest edition of the world’s most popular football video game series, EA FC 26, will be released worldwide on September 25 on PC and September 26 on console.

Publisher EA sports has promised a host of improvements too the title formerly known as Fifa, fuelling excitement among gamers across the Middle East who are eager to take control of their favorite stars.

With global football’s spotlight shifting to Saudi Arabia after a wave of high-profile players joined the kingdom’s growing professional league, fans can now line up these stars for their new clubs in the virtual arena. Meanwhile, many Arab players have enjoyed standout seasons for club and country in 2024-25, earning significant boosts to their in-game ratings.

Here are two standout XIs or primary players from EA FC 26, one showcasing the best of the Saudi Pro League, and another featuring the highest-rated Arab players, lining up in an attacking 4-2-1-3 formation.

Arab XI

Striker: Omar Marmoush 84 (Egypt)

The Manchester City attacker earned a huge bump from last season’s 79 rating,thanks largely to his real-life form over the second half of the season,when he hit eight goals in 25 games following his move to the Premier League from Eintracht Frankfurt. His newest in-game iteration will feature a wicked combination of pace (89), shooting (85) and dribbling (86), which will make him an early regular in the game’s Ultimate team card-collecting game mode.

Right winger: Mohamed Salah 91 (Egypt)

It would not be an Arab XI without the Egyptian King, who not only makes a claim to be the greatest Arab player ever, but also one of the best players to grace English football. And after a scintillating 29-goal Prem

## EA FC 26: Predicted African XI – full Team Reveal

Here is our predicted African XI for *EA FC 26*, continuing with the defensive line after revealing the goalkeeper and midfield earlier this week.

Left-back: rayan ait-Nouri 82 (Algeria)

Ait-Nouri is another Arab star who made the move to the Etihad Stadium in 2025. However, in the case of this adventurous left-back, it was a shorter trip from the English Midlands, where his bravery on the ball and willingness to attack from full-back earned him a move from Wolves to the Manchester giants. Those attacking instincts are reflected in his in-game ratings, with improvements across the board from his 79 rating from 12 months ago, most notably in both dribbling and defending.

Center back: Noussair mazraoui 80 (Morocco)

the calm, adaptable Manchester United defender is equally agreeable at left-back or right-back – earning him comparisons to Red Devils legend Denis Irwin from some inside the club – and it is indeed as a wide defender where he will play best in EA FC 26. But here he finds himself a victim of his versatility, sitting in the centre of defense to accommodate the two star full backs on either side of him. His overall rating takes a small step back in EA FC 26, from 81 a year ago, but he is capable on the ball and also in the tackle.

Centre back: Nayef Aguerd 81 (Morocco)

The left-footed centre back parlayed an remarkable loan spell at Spanish club real Sociedad into a ratings rise from last season’s 79. In-game, he has good height at 1.92 metres, and defending to go along with reasonable pace and physicality, and also the Anticipate regular PlayStyle.

Right-back: Achraf Hakimi 89 (morocco)

The Morocco captain is the highest-rated active right-back on EA FC 26, and the highest outside Icon cards for Brazilian legends Cafu and Carlos Alberto. Hakimi’s 89 rating reflects an outstanding season in which his PSG won the treble in the best season in club history. Ligue 1 and coupe de France titles were followed by a record 5-0 win against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, in which Hakimi scored the first goal. In-game, his 92 pace will again make him a menace on both sides of the pitch, with the Relentless PlayStyle+ on his card, meaning he will make overlapping runs into attacking wide positions right until the final whistle.

EA FC 24: Building a Saudi Pro League Team in Ultimate Team

Speed rules EA FC – and this is how we will build our squads until told or else. Step forward Moussa Diaby, Al Ittihad’s flying French winger who combines 95 pace and 95 acceleration with Quickstep PlayStyle+, which makes a player considerably faster when accelerating, and also the Rapid regular PlayStyle, meaning he will leave the vast majority of full backs in the dust time after time.

More pace in attacking positions! Even without a PlayStyle+, the Brazilian playmaker Malcom easily earns this spot over Al Nassr’s new signing Joao Felix thanks to his 92 acceleration. Combine that with great agility and balance, and you have a player to help you exploit left-stick dribbling until your opponent is tearing out their hair in frustration.

Worth a spot just for the style points added by his moustache. What the 1.92-meter-tall Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic lacks in pace, he makes up for in physicality, strength and jumping for high balls, which earns him this spot over teammate Ruben Neves, who is a candidate for those who like to play out from the back thanks to his 87 passing rating.

The French defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante may have lost a yard of pace on the field, but in the digital arena, he has actually gained a bit of speed, improving by a point to 77 over the previous game’s 76. But his 85 defending rating, featuring 90 standing tackle and 88 interception, earns him a spot sitting in front of the back four.

Speaking of the back four…

The UAE’s quiet power: How abu Dhabi is rewriting the rules of the game in Washington

For decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a reliable, if somewhat overlooked, partner to the United States. A stable, pro-western nation in a turbulent region, the UAE offered Washington access, intelligence, and a crucial foothold in the Gulf. But something has shifted. Abu Dhabi is no longer content with being a quiet ally; it’s actively, and increasingly assertively, rewriting the rules of the game in Washington.

This isn’t about a sudden break with the US, but a calculated recalibration.The UAE, under the leadership of President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), is diversifying its partnerships, investing heavily in its own capabilities, and projecting its influence in ways that sometimes diverge from customary US policy.

Several factors underpin this change. The perceived US withdrawal from the region under the Obama administration, and the subsequent Iran nuclear deal, left Abu Dhabi feeling vulnerable.The Trump administration offered a warmer embrace, but also signaled a transactional approach to alliances, demanding greater financial contributions and expecting reciprocal support. The Biden administration, while restoring traditional diplomatic channels, has maintained a firm stance on human rights and arms sales, creating further friction.

This has led the UAE to pursue a more self-reliant foreign policy. It has normalized relations with Israel, a move welcomed by some in Washington but viewed with skepticism by others. It has deepened ties with countries like India, France, and China, diversifying its security and economic partnerships.

Crucially,Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in influencing the US policy-making process. Think tanks, lobbying firms, and direct engagement with policymakers are all part of a sophisticated strategy to shape the narrative around the UAE and its interests.This influence isn’t limited to traditional lobbying; it extends to funding academic research, sponsoring conferences, and cultivating relationships with influential figures across the political spectrum.

The killing of Qassem Suleimani in 2020, and the subsequent tensions with Iran, highlighted the UAE’s willingness to act independently, even when it meant diverging from US preferences. Abu Dhabi quietly supported the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran, but also maintained backchannel communications to de-escalate tensions.

This new assertiveness isn’t without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the UAE’s human rights record, its involvement in the Yemen conflict, and its increasingly authoritarian tendencies. Some analysts argue that Abu Dhabi’s actions are destabilizing the region and undermining US interests.

However, the UAE’s perspective is that it is simply adapting to a changing world. It sees a US increasingly preoccupied with domestic challenges and global competition with China, and believes it must take greater obligation for its own security and prosperity.

The UAE’s quiet power is a reflection of a broader trend: the rise of regional actors who are no longer willing to simply follow the lead of the United States. Abu Dhabi is demonstrating that even a small nation can wield significant influence in Washington, not through military might, but through strategic investment, skillful diplomacy, and a clear understanding of its own interests. The five pillars of Islam – faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage – underpin a society undergoing rapid transformation, and its leaders are persistent to secure its place on the world stage, on its own terms.

Creating compelling Travel Videos: A Guide for the Modern Filmmaker

Travel video is booming. People aren’t just dreaming about destinations; they’re experiencing them vicariously through stunning video content. but creating videos that truly resonate-videos that inspire travel and build a loyal audience-requires more than just a good camera. It demands a blend of technical skill, creative vision, and a solid understanding of what makes people *want* to explore.

Mastering the Visuals: cinematography & Shots

Forget shaky handheld footage. Cinematography is the foundation of any great travel video.Think about your shots. Wide shots establish location, immersing the viewer in the environment. Medium shots show context and action. Close-ups reveal detail and emotion. Don’t just point and shoot; consider composition. Use the rule of thirds,leading lines,and natural framing to create visually appealing images.

Movement is key. Static shots can feel lifeless. Incorporate pans, tilts, and smooth camera movements. A gimbal or stabilizer is a worthwhile investment for professional-looking results.Experiment with time-lapses to showcase the passage of time and dynamic scenes.Drone footage, when permitted and used responsibly, offers breathtaking perspectives.

Post-Production: Where the Magic Happens

Editing is where raw footage transforms into a captivating story.A strong narrative is crucial. Don’t just string clips together; build a sequence that evokes emotion and conveys a message. Pay attention to pacing. Fast cuts create energy, while slower transitions build anticipation.

Color grading dramatically impacts the mood. Warm tones evoke feelings of happiness and adventure, while cooler tones can create a sense of mystery or tranquility. Sound design is equally crucial. Use music, sound effects, and clear narration to enhance the viewing experience.Ensure audio levels are consistent and free of distracting noise. software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut pro, and DaVinci Resolve offer powerful tools for post-production.

The Rise of AI & VFX in Travel filmmaking

Artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery (CGI) are rapidly changing the landscape of video production. AI-powered tools can automate tedious tasks like color correction and object removal. CGI allows you to enhance visuals, create stunning effects, and even reconstruct environments.

Imagine seamlessly removing unwanted tourists from a shot or adding a dramatic sky to a landscape. these possibilities are becoming increasingly accessible. Though,use these technologies responsibly. Authenticity is still valued. Don’t over-rely on VFX to the point where the video feels artificial or misleading.

Understanding Your Audience & Marketing Objectives

Who are you making this video for? A luxury travel audience will respond differently than budget backpackers. tailor your content to their interests and preferences. Consider the platform. TikTok favors short, fast-paced videos, while YouTube allows for longer, more in-depth content.

Align your video with specific marketing objectives. Are you trying to increase brand awareness, drive bookings, or promote a specific destination? A clear goal will guide your creative decisions. Use compelling calls to action to encourage viewers to take the next step, whether it’s visiting a website, following your social media channels, or booking a trip.

Tourism Industry Knowledge: Beyond the Pretty Pictures

Prosperous travel videos aren’t just visually appealing; they’re informative. Demonstrate a genuine understanding of the destination. Highlight local culture, history, and cuisine. Provide practical tips and advice for travelers.

Research visa requirements, transportation options, and local customs.Show respect for the environment and local communities. Responsible tourism is increasingly importent to travelers, so showcase lasting practices and ethical considerations.

Professional ethics: Maintaining Integrity

Transparency is paramount. Disclose any sponsored content or partnerships. Avoid misleading or deceptive practices. Obtain necessary permits and permissions before filming in restricted areas. Respect the privacy of individuals and communities.

Building trust with your audience is essential for long-term success. Maintain a high standard of professionalism and ethical conduct in all your work. Authenticity and integrity will set you apart in a crowded market.