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 to dole out $55,000 fines, jail time for not wearing face masks Masks are mandatory for all Qataris who leave their homes, except when driving alone. Qatar
'Double disaster' in Yemen as funding runs dry during COVID-19 outbreak In Yemen, where the health care system is dangerously overstretched and aid cuts threaten what remains, health care workers warn the country's battle against the novel coronavirus is only beginning. Yemen
Gulf’s megaprojects face delays, reassessment Saudi Arabia has cut capital expenditure for a number of Vision 2030 projects amid a drop in oil prices and Chinese investment. Will other Gulf states follow suit? Saudi Arabia
Syrian refugees in Jordan build robot to fight coronavirus A group of young Syrians in Jordan’s Zaatari camp designed a sanitizing robot to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Jordan
Secret operation brings Israelis stranded in Morocco back home In a complicated operation, Israelis stuck in Morocco because of the coronavirus were finally brought home. United Arab Emirates
Don’t 'turn a blind eye' to Libya, UN agencies warn Seven United Nations agencies called for a cease-fire in war-torn Libya that would allow local authorities and humanitarian organizations to focus on the coronavirus outbreak. Libya
Kuwait sees coronavirus jump as lockdown holds Kuwait has registered 947 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours as the country continues its total lockdown. Kuwait
Report: Yemen has more coronavirus cases than official numbers show Houthi authorities have not reported test results for many suspected coronavirus cases, news organizations say. Saudi Arabia
Yemen advocates push for COVID-19 aid in next coronavirus stimulus bill Activists and humanitarian organizations want Congress to include COVID-19 aid for Yemen in the next coronavirus relief bill as skeptical senators question the Trump administration’s recent restrictions on assistance for Houthi-held areas. Yemen
300 Israelis arrested for defying coronavirus ban on Jewish holiday Hundreds of people in Israel's ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods ignored a ban on large gatherings to celebrate a minor Jewish holiday known as Lag B’Omer. Israel
Dubai reopens public parks, hotel beaches Mosques, movie theaters, nightclubs and public beaches remain closed. United Arab Emirates
Emirates to resume international passenger flights The Dubai-based carrier will start flying to North America, Europe and Australia on May 21. United Arab Emirates
