Saudi Arabia to require vaccination proof for foreign tourists Saudi Arabia has imposed some particularly strict travel measures recently amid regional concerns about coronavirus variants. Al-Monitor Staff | Saudi Arabia | Jul 31, 2021 Saudi staff check mobile phones for vaccine certificates or a negative COVID-19 test at the entrance of a theater hosting the first concert in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on June 3, 2021. Foreign tourists with COVID-19 vaccines and a negative coronavirus test will be able to visit Saudi Arabia beginning Aug. 1, 2021.
Middle East economic outlook hinges on vaccinations Five countries to watch: Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and Oman. Week in Review | Egypt | Jul 30, 2021
Secular Turks mock government’s appropriation of care-free lifestyles in Istanbul promo video The negative responses highlight what secular members of Turkish society perceive as the government’s interference in their lifestyle choices. Andrew Wilks | Turkey | Jul 29, 2021
Fourth coronavirus wave in Israel rattles Bennett’s leadership New Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is challenged by his own ministers over the management of the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Mazal Mualem | Israel | Jul 29, 2021
Saudi Arabia to impose travel ban for visits to 'red list' countries Citizens who travel to countries including the UAE, Indonesia and Turkey are at risk of penalties including a three-year ban on travel. Al-Monitor Staff | Saudi Arabia | Jul 29, 2021
Kremlin's vaccine diplomacy finds trouble in Middle East Deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are as controversial as the vaccine itself. Anton Mardasov | Russia | Jul 16, 2021
Iraq's Kurdistan Region detects first case of Delta variant Several Middle Eastern governments have instituted measures aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 variants recently. Al-Monitor Staff | Iraq | Jul 16, 2021
Report reveals heavy impact of COVID-19 on Israeli Arabs A new report quantifies disparities in how the coronavirus crisis has affected Israel's Arab population. Afif Abu Much | Israel | Jul 14, 2021
Palestinian vaccine-gate investigation report out The independent report about the deal between the Palestinian government and Israel that led to the PA's receipt of expired vaccines has been finalized and made public with leads on incompetence and oversight. Daoud Kuttab | Palestine | Jul 9, 2021
Iraq breaks record for highest daily virus cases Health authorities are asking Iraqis to take the COVID-19 vaccine as rates remain low and infections rise once again. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jul 9, 2021
Qatar to resume tourist, family visas starting July 12 Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test and certain travelers must quarantine upon arrival. Al-Monitor Staff | Qatar | Jul 8, 2021
Iran denies 'US sabotage' against homemade vaccine project The denial added to the chaos and confusion surrounding Iran's piecemeal rollout, which has reached only 2.3% of its population. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jul 8, 2021
Israel records highest daily coronavirus cases in three months The number of COVID-19 infections in Israel, which includes those of the delta variant, is still relatively low in the country. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jul 1, 2021
Turkey's virus-related curfew ends Turkey's COVID-19 cases have dropped considerably, and the percentage of people who have received a vaccine dose more than doubled in June. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jul 1, 2021
Iran approves second Iranian-made COVID-19 vaccine Iran's vaccine rollout has been marked by delays as the virus continues to spread rapidly across the country. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jun 30, 2021
Saudi Arabia’s race for Gulf economic leadership takes to the sky Sebastian Castelier | Gulf | Jul 13, 2021
Ancient fossilized fish found in Egypt that survived in hot waters Alaa Omran | Culture | Jun 16, 2021
NSO officials comment on Pegasus spyware affair: We are self-regulated on right for privacy, transparency
Saudi staff check mobile phones for vaccine certificates or a negative COVID-19 test at the entrance of a theater hosting the first concert in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on June 3, 2021. Foreign tourists with COVID-19 vaccines and a negative coronavirus test will be able to visit Saudi Arabia beginning Aug. 1, 2021.
