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
Asylum-seekers in Israel face additional hardships over coronavirus Asylum-seekers in Israel are now losing their jobs and social security over the coronavirus outbreak. Israel
Egypt to allow foreign tourists at select resorts Egypt will open resorts in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea to foreign travelers in July in an effort to boost tourism during the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
With no end to pandemic in sight, Iran looks to fully reopen Iran’s president said the country is looking to reopen under certain health guidelines. Iran
Report: Israel’s El Al airline could be owned by state again El Al is facing major difficulties during the current economic and health crises and is seeking government help as Israel's borders remain closed. Israel
Dubai-based airline Emirates cuts jobs again Emirates has resumed regular passenger flights, but the carrier had to reduce the size of its workforce concurrent with its reduced operations, a spokesperson said. United Arab Emirates
Kurdistan Region parliament in Iraq closes after COVID-19 cases Some members and staff were found to have COVID-19 after tests as the virus spreads quickly throughout the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Egyptian expats wary as Kuwaiti MPs propose bill to reduce foreign workers As Kuwait’s parliament gears up to discuss a draft law that, if enacted, would reduce the number of foreign workers, Egyptians in the small Gulf country fear they will have to go back to Egypt where the economy has been badly hit by the coronavirus crisis. Egypt
Iraq sees slight drop in new COVID-19 cases after days with more than 1,000 The spread of the virus continues at an alarming rate in Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and Sulaimaniyah. Iraq
Palestinians say they were not informed of second virus aid flight from UAE to Israel The second-ever direct flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel took place today, but Palestinians say they were not informed of the aid delivery. United Arab Emirates
Qatar to begin phased reopening Coronavirus cases continue to rise in the Gulf country even as restrictions are eased. Originals
AIPAC lobbies for US-Israel coronavirus bill to counter China Congress is quickly lining up behind an AIPAC bill to deepen COVID-19 cooperation with Israel while sidelining China. Israel
Israel's El Al airline seeking financial help to stay afloat Israel's airport remains closed and the airline has suffered from the downturn in global travel. Israel
