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
Qatar Airways adds San Francisco flight The US city is a new destination for the Doha-based airline, showing its ability to expand beyond its pre-pandemic network. Originals
Iran official seeks lockdown extension as virus rages A Tehran official has pled for a longer lockdown as coronavirus cases rise in Tehran province. Iran
Naftali Bennett, propelled by coronavirus crisis, challenges Netanyahu By presenting a level-headed image of a politician with a real anti-coronavirus program, Yamina leader Naftali Bennett is gaining the support of many who are disappointed in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Israeli police, ultra-Orthodox clash over coronavirus restrictions Clashes between the ultra-Orthodox and police have intensified over lockdown orders that, among other things, call for the avoidance of public prayers. Israel
Ex-Shin Bet analysts recruited to fight coronavirus within Israeli-Arab society It is difficult to understand why the Israeli authorities are recruiting ex-Shin Bet analysts to participate in an information campaign planned to combat the coronavirus in the Israeli-Arab community. Israel
Jordan's prime minister resigns but stays on as caretaker King Abdullah II instructed Omar Razzaz to remain acting prime minister until a new government is formed ahead of the November parliamentary elections. Jordan
Umrah pilgrimage resumes in Saudi Arabia after 7-month pause Under the new rules, only 6,000 citizens and residents per day are permitted to perform umrah. Originals
Emirates resumes flights to several European cities The Dubai-based airline received $2 billion from the government in August and is gradually approaching its pre-pandemic number of destinations. Originals
Iran hits highest coronavirus death toll since July Officials in Iran are scrambling to address the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran
Oman's coronavirus cases pass 100,000 The Gulf state opened a field hospital Monday to deal with the influx of COVID-19 infections. Oman
Iranians call COVID-19 diagnosis 'lesson' for Trump To many Iranians, the news that US President Donald Trump has the novel coronavirus is poetic justice. United States
Qatar Airways resumes flights to three South African cities The Doha-based airline is nearing the number of destinations it offered services to before the coronavirus crisis. Qatar
