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, UAE test potential for cooperation on COVID-19 The agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates' Group 42 and Israel’s IAI and Rafael companies offers a glimpse of the potential for cooperation -- if not deterred by annexation. United Arab Emirates
Emirates temporarily halts bookings to New Zealand The Dubai-based carrier's decision follows a stoppage it placed on flights from Pakistan as countries struggle to resume flights during the pandemic. United Arab Emirates
Palestinian workers stay in Israel for three weeks in a row Some 46,000 Palestinians are now lodged on construction sites in Israel; they must stay where they work for three weeks before going back home. Palestine
Britain extends lifeline to Turkish tourism by lifting quarantine rule Turkey hopes visitors from the United Kingdom will help offset the deep losses its coronavirus-hit tourism industry is expected to suffer this summer season and is pushing the European Union to reconsider its "safe list" that excluded the Mediterranean destination. Turkey
Iran sets record daily deaths from coronavirus Iran marked its highest daily mortality rate in the coronavirus pandemic as hospitals are increasingly overstretched amid an exponential influx of new cases. Iran
Dubai welcomes back tourists The Emirati city wants visitors to come back as the country emerges from its coronavirus closures. Originals
Israeli airline reaches bailout deal with government Israel’s flag carrier El Al and the government reached a bailout plan, which would mean huge layoffs and sizing down flights. Israel
Abu Dhabi to host 'Fight Island' MMA event The United Arab Emirates will hold the isolated UFC event on Yas Island with health precautions in place, as the combat sport continues to grow in the Middle East. Originals
Qatar coronavirus cases top 100,000 as restrictions ease The Gulf state announced 546 new cases and five more deaths from the virus on Monday. Qatar
No more Big Fat Wedding: Turks struggle to be wed in times of the coronavirus From bejeweled masks to dummy brides, Turks struggle to combine tradition with new social distancing rules. Turkey
Has Israel lost control over coronavirus pandemic? Faced with a continued spike in coronavirus cases, Israel’s government is set to reimpose crowding restrictions. Israel
Did Egypt move too fast to receive tourists in light of COVID-19? Egypt received tourists from Ukraine as the country resumed tourism and airports opened up amid strict precautionary and preventive measures. Egypt
