Saudi Arabia and Mexico are both out of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Argentina are into the last 16 after breezing past Poland 2-0. Despite their loss, the Poles are also through to the next stage. They will take on France, who topped Group D despite losing 1-0 to Tunisia.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping wrapped up a visit to Saudi Arabia with a joint statement regarding bilateral commitments. Xi also invited Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to visit Beijing.

Workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) met with Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of war. The Kremlin spokesman acknowledged the risk of Ukraine launching attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea.

The military junta is observing the 75th anniversary of independence with a gesture of amnesty, but critics have called it a stunt. Thousands still remain locked up as authorities continue to crack down on dissenters.

The execution by hanging of Mohammad Karami and Mohammad Hosseini by Iran's regime have have raised the number of protest-related executions to four.

A former Iranian deputy defense minister with dual British citizenship has been executed, according to Iranian media. The death sentence had sparked international condemnation.

Women in Saudi Arabia were banned from driving until 2018. Now, Saudi Arabian women are taking to motorsport in a big way at the country's first all-women motorsport event - the Rally Jameel.

The two long-time foes say they will improve their relationship. If they do, the detente could have a major impact on politics in the Middle East.

With film shoots, star-studded festivals and modern studios, the conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia is sparing no expense to become a land of cinema. Showcasing the wonders of Saudi Arabia on the big screen also helps attract tourists and project a modern image of the country, which is usually better known for its serious attacks on personal freedoms.

The two sides in Yemen's conflict have agreed to free nearly 900 people in a prisoner exchange. That deal comes less than two weeks after Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties after years of hostility. The two regional powers have backed opposing sides in Yemen's war, and their rapprochement has galvanised efforts to end the conflict. We take a closer look.

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has reportedly offered Lionel Messi a mind-boggling contract. Reports claim that their offer to the Argentine World Cup winner is worth $438 million (€400 million) per year. That offer is more than double what his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo is earning playing for Al-Nassr.

A Beijing-brokered deal between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia marks major diplomatic progress which could reshape relations across the region which has witnessed decades of conflict and violence.