Gendarmerie operation sparks controversy in Petra, Jordan Petra’s tribal entrepreneurs react to a security operation carried out inside Jordan’s most-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site with criticism and concern for their livelihoods. Jordan
Culture Despite war, thousands of Israeli Hasidim make pilgrimage to Ukraine Much like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine won’t stop thousands of Hasidim from reaching the city of Uman and the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov just before the Jewish New Year. Israel
Middle East airlines to suffer losses again in 2022 The International Air Transport Association said that airlines in the region will fare somewhat better financially due to the return of long-haul flights. Legacy: Gulf
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Israel to deploy drones on election day to facilitate voting by COVID-19 patients The Central Elections Committee is putting in place several special measures, including drones, to ensure safe voting process for all Israelis, including those infected with the coronavirus. Israel
Damascus hospitals' intensive care units full with coronavirus patients The United Nations recently said there are more COVID-19 cases in Syria than the government has reported. News Brief
Dubai unveils COVID-19 restrictions for Ramadan Authorities in the emirate have urged residents to avoid holding large gatherings typical during the Muslim holy month. United Arab Emirates
Over 105,000 Palestinian workers in Israel vaccinated with first dose Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories said yesterday that over 105,000 Palestinians who cross into Israel to work have received the first coronavirus vaccination dose over the last two weeks. Israel
Dubai’s DP World maritime services company reports large profit losses for 2020 The Dubai-based company, which is owned by the UAE government, was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as were other sectors of the Emirati and Gulf economies. News Brief
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Turkey pursues normalization drive as COVID-19 case counts rise Turkish officials to maintain lighter COVID-19 restrictions through much of the country, as new infection numbers rise and vaccination campaigns continue. Turkey
Dahlan courts Gaza, Hamas with vaccine deliveries ahead of elections Dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan has arranged for the delivery of another shipment of coronavirus vaccines to the Gaza Strip, raising questions about the aid’s link to the upcoming elections. Palestine
COVID accelerates evolution of Gulf economies The economic policy response to COVID-19 is an acceleration of specific trends already underway across the Gulf Cooperation Council members, variously affecting tax policy, labor market regulation and immigration policy. Saudi Arabia
Iran begins phase one of domestic vaccine production Iran says it has begun the first phase of production for a domestic coronavirus vaccine. Iran
Iran receives COVID-19 vaccine from Cuba Iran enjoys warm relations with the Latin American state and the two countries are also developing a coronavirus vaccine together. Iran
Israeli Arabs wonder how COVID-19 will shape Ramadan 2021 With vaccination rates still relatively low in Israeli-Arab towns and villages, residents there wonder how the upcoming month of Ramadan will look like. Israel
