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
Saudi Arabia resumes international flights, reopens borders The kingdom closed its borders in December due to the new COVID-19 variant in the United Kingdom. Some restrictions for travelers from the UK remain in place. Originals
Israel's vaccination drive tops 10% of population Israel expects to administer the vaccine to two million people by the end of the month. Israel
Despite COVID-19 crisis, Egypt’s prestigious Opera House holds Christmas events The Egyptian Opera House organized Christmas celebrations with the participation of many musical groups, while taking into account precautionary measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Egypt
Egypt launches first monitoring tobacco center in region as smoking on the rise In cooperation with the World Health Organization, Egypt launched the first observatory to monitor tobacco companies in the Middle East, as the country faces a growing number of tobacco users. Egypt
US approves Iranian funds transfer to buy COVID vaccines, says Iran central bank chief Iranian officials have argued US sanctions have hampered their ability to make payments for overseas vaccines. Iran
Iran to receive 150,000 Pfizer vaccines Amid a controversy over Iran's ability to purchase the coronavirus vaccine, Tehran is set to receive 150,000 doses from US donors. Iran
Iranians increase pressure on government to purchase vaccines Puzzled by their government’s reluctance to purchase coronavirus vaccines, Iranians launched campaigns for their “basic right to live” at a moment when the pandemic is raging and neighboring countries have started vaccinating their citizens. Iran
Israel braces for lockdown amid coronavirus spike, new UK strain Egypt is also heading for new restrictions amid a new wave Israel
Egypt records highest single-day coronavirus count in months The surge in cases led the government to impose a ban on New Year's Eve celebrations across the North African country. Egypt
Iraq closes land borders, restaurants with new anti-virus measures The federal Iraqi government is also barring travelers from the UK, Iran and several other countries. Iraq
UAE steps up medical aid to Gaza The UAE and Qatar are neck and neck in the Gaza Strip, with both parties pumping money and aid into the besieged enclave that is struggling under tough economic, humanitarian and health conditions made worse by the coronavirus. Palestine
Saudi Arabia pauses international umrah, flights over new coronavirus strain The kingdom has also suspended entry through its land and seaports for one week. Saudi Arabia
