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
Iranian food ship docks in Venezuela It is the latest example of cooperation between the two countries in the face of US opposition. Iran
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia lifts coronavirus curfew, reinstates hajj Residents of Saudi Arabia can now move around at all times, but other restrictions remain in place as coronavirus cases continue to rise by the thousands. Originals
Deal with US drug company raises controversy in Egypt over use of anti-coronavirus treatment Egypt’s Eva Pharma reached a deal with Gilead Sciences to locally manufacture the antiviral treatment Remdesivir for the treatment of coronavirus patients and distribute it in 127 countries. Egypt
Saudi Arabia to reopen Mecca mosques as cases surpass 150,000 Saudi health officials confirmed an additional 4,301 cases of the virus Friday, raising the case count to more than 150,000. Saudi Arabia
UAE camel racing to resume following a five-month hiatus The United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of camel racing, coupled with precautionary guidelines, which is among the most popular sports in the Gulf with prizes sometimes reaching millions of dollars. United Arab Emirates
Iran says 10 provinces have reached peak coronavirus numbers Iran says coronavirus deaths in the country will continue until there is a vaccine. Iran
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul and Beirut The Dubai-based airline has been adding destinations since resuming passenger flights in late May. Originals
Saudi Arabia approves dexamethasone as coronavirus treatment The kingdom's Ministry of Health has begun using the cheap drug on critically ill patients. Saudi Arabia
Amnesty blasts Bahrain, Kuwait for 'highly invasive' COVID-19 tracing apps Amnesty International has warned apps used to trace the movements of possible COVID-19 cases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Norway put the privacy of citizens at risk. Bahrain
Turkish courts reopen to backlog of press freedom cases The resumption of court hearings in Turkey has press freedom advocates anxious, amid fears of a second COVID-19 wave and ongoing pressure on the media covering the pandemic. Turkey
Israel, Greek prime ministers showcase bilateral alliance The visit in Israel of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects a growing convergence of interests between the two countries. Israel
