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
Iran suspends flights from UK after new virus strain emerges Iranian officials have grown alarmed over the new strain of the coronavirus that appears much more contagious. Iran
Christians in Gaza celebrate gloomy Christmas this year Christians in the Gaza Strip will be celebrating Christmas at home this year in light of the lockdown and travel restrictions imposed to stem the skyrocketing number of coronavirus cases. Palestine
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul The Dubai-based airline recently reported a massive revenue loss for 2020, but continues to rebuild its flight network toward pre-pandemic status. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain's king receives COVID-19 vaccine King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was vaccinated days after Bahrain approved use of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. Bahrain
British Airways stops flights to several Gulf cities The airline will no longer fly to destinations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman in 2021 as global air travel continues to take a hit amid the pandemic. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt gearing up for mass COVID-19 immunization Egypt is gearing up to start a mass coronavirus vaccination campaign, after receiving two shipments of about 100,000 doses of a Chinese vaccine. Egypt
How Egypt became hub for Russian COVID-19 vaccine Egypt may become the hub of coronavirus vaccines in Africa after it agreed to produce the Russian Sputnik-V vaccine against the coronavirus. Originals
Iran hopes to unveil homemade coronavirus vaccine in March As Iran reports considerable relief from the coronavirus pandemic, hopes are growing that the country’s indigenous vaccine could become available sooner than expected. Iran
Iran accuses US of blocking coronavirus vaccine purchases Iranian officials said US sanctions have impeded their attempts to secure the purchase of coronavirus vaccines for their country, which remains the hardest-hit in the Middle East. Iran
Rita Ora apologizes after breaking quarantine following Cairo concert The British singer threw herself a birthday party in London upon her return. There are disputed reports Egyptian President Sisi was at her private performance in the Egyptian capital. Egypt
No relief in sight for Mideast hotspots after catastrophic 2020 Conflict, disease, famine compound crises in Gaza, Yemen, Syria. Regional
Gaza caught between full lockdown or collapse of health sector amid COVID-19 surge A health catastrophe looms on the horizon of the Gaza Strip amid the already fragile health-care sector, while the government hesitates to impose a full lockdown due to the deteriorating economic situation. Palestine
