Ahead of the World Athletics Championships which kicks off in Beijing on Saturday, here's a look at six athletes from the Middle East who are expected to shine.

Betlhem Belayneh (UAE)
Middle and distance runner

Date of Birth: November 13, 1991

Best achievements
Gold – Asian Championships 2013 (1,500m, 5,000), Asian Championships 2015 (1,500m, 5,000m)

Events schedule
1,500m – Heats 7:15    August 22
1,500m – Semi-finals 16:45 August 23
1,500m – Final 16:35     August 25
5,000m – Heats 05:40    August 27
5,000m – Final 15:15    August 30

Alia Saeed (UAE)
Distance runner
Date of Birth: May 18, 1991

Best achievements
Gold – Asian Games 2014 (10,000m), Asian Championships 2015 (10,000m)

Events schedule
10,000m – Final 16:35    August 24

Taoufik Makhloufi (ALG)
Middle-distance runner
Date of Birth: April 29, 1998

Best achievements
Gold – London 2012 Olympics
(1,500m)

Events schedule
800m – Heats 7:50    August 22
800m – Semi-finals 16:15    August 23
800m – Final 16:55    August 25
1,500m – Heats 6:35    August 27
1,500m – Semi-finals 15:55    August 28
1,500m – Final 15:45    August 30

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Mutaz Barshim (QAT)
High jumper
Date of Birth: June 24, 1991

Best achievements
Gold – World Indoor Championships 2014, Silver – World Championships 2013, Bronze – London 2012 Olympics

Events schedule
High jump – Qualification 5:45    August 28
High jump – Final 4:30    August 30

Mimi Belete (BRN)
Distance runner
Date of Birth: June 9, 1988

Best achievements
Currently ranked 10th in the world in the 5,000m, Gold – Asian Games 2010 (5,000m)

Events schedule
5,000m – Heats 05:40    August 27
5,000m – Final 15:15    August 30

Abdalaati Iguider (MAR)
Middle-distance runner
Date of Birth: March 25, 1987

Best achievements
Gold – World Indoor Championships 2012 (1,500m), Bronze – World Indoor Championships 2014 (1,500m), Bronze – London 2012 Olympics (1,500m)

Events schedule
1,500m – Heats 6:35    August 27
1,500m – Semi-finals 15:55    August 28
1,500m – Final 15:45    August 30