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
Lebanese banks raise exchange rate to dollars as crisis worsens A member of the government's IMF negotiations team also resigned in opposition to the government's handling of the worst financial crisis in decades. Lebanon
Qatar to further ease coronavirus restrictions Qatar is registering fewer coronavirus cases than in previous weeks, and public spaces, mosques and offices can now start to reopen. Originals
Netanyahu announces anti-coronavirus cooperation between Israel, UAE Private companies from Israel and the United Arab Emirates plan to cooperate on developing technologies to battle COVID-19. United Arab Emirates
Netherlands isn’t required to repatriate Islamic State families in Syria, court rules The Netherlands isn't required to bring home from northern Syria a group of 23 Dutch women suspected of joining the Islamic State or their 56 children. Syria
Will Egypt’s decision to impose visa fees on GCC countries affect tourism revival? Egypt has imposed entry visa fees to its territories on GCC citizens, a decision that some say shouldn’t have been taken under the coronavirus circumstances, as tourism has been dealt a heavy blow. Egypt
Frustration builds as Iraq's airports remain closed amid rising virus cases Many foreigners and Iraqis are unable to return home, including those who have lost jobs amid the pandemic. Iraq
Emirates suspends passenger flights from Pakistan following virus cases The Dubai-based airline said a number of passengers were found to have COVID-19 on a recent flight. United Arab Emirates
Iran passes 10,000 COVID-19 deaths Iran's president says citizens must wear masks as part of a “new phase” of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Baby girl diagnosed with coronavirus dies in Lebanon The infant was admitted to the hospital 25 days after her birth. Lebanon
UAE ends virus curfew Emirati authorities announced total freedom of movement today. United Arab Emirates
Egypt’s top film festivals gearing up to open as scheduled As Egypt begins to gradually lift restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the country’s top film festivals are preparing to hold their events in the coming months while taking the necessary precautionary measures. Egypt
Saudi Arabia reveals Hajj restrictions Attendees must be under 65 years of age, receive a coronavirus test and socially distance, among other measures for this year's Hajj pilgrimage. Originals
