Dubai airport tops global ranking again with 95.2 million passengers DXB has been the world’s busiest airport since 2014 and eyes nearly 100 million passengers in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic Algeria has begun canceling its air services agreement with the UAE amid heightened tensions over the Gulf country’s foreign policy in the region. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Israel's El Al posts record $203M Q3 profit as foreign airlines trickle back Many international airlines have now resumed flights to Israel following a truce to end the Gaza war. Israel
Controversial Egyptian slum removal mars Giza Plateau upgrade The Nazlet al-Saman slum blemished the Giza Plateau for many decades, but its ongoing removal is bringing criticism of the government. Egypt
Egypt to announce opening of world’s largest open museum in Luxor governorate As part of Egypt’s efforts to boost tourism, the Ministry of Antiquities bets on the restoration of El-Kebash Road in Luxor, which is one of the biggest open-air archaeological sites in the world. Culture
Turkey’s record growth rate belies murky economic prospects Eager to woo back disgruntled voters, Erdogan appears bent on stimulating economic growth at the risk of stoking Turkey’s currency troubles. Turkey
Egypt to make oldest Islamic capital in Africa into open museum Egypt is planning to turn the city of Fustat, the oldest Islamic capital in Egypt and Africa, into an open museum that offers tourists a distinctive experience. Egypt
Gaza creates tourism police force The Interior Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip is establishing a police force to protect tourist and hotel facilities after threats and attacks against some of those facilities by militants against the backdrop of holding mixed-gender concerts. Palestine
Egypt promotes yacht tourism after dip from COVID-pandemic Egypt is promoting yacht tourism due to the economic returns it brings to the state, as the Delta variant picks up. Culture
Russian observers set up at Egypt's airports Russia officially resumed flights to Egyptian resorts after a six-year hiatus, sparking controversy amid accusations that the government ceded too much authority to Moscow. Egypt
Domestic tourism thrives in Gaza Local travel companies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, are organizing trips for Gazans to discover the many hidden archaeological sites spread across the besieged enclave. Palestine
Wildfires deliver blow to tourism in Turkey Ankara has announced that all but two wildfires are under control and is busily reassuring tourists it's safe to return. Turkey
Saudi Arabia to require vaccination proof for foreign tourists Saudi Arabia has imposed some particularly strict travel measures recently amid regional concerns about coronavirus variants. Saudi Arabia
Secular Turks mock government’s appropriation of care-free lifestyles in Istanbul promo video The negative responses highlight what secular members of Turkish society perceive as the government’s interference in their lifestyle choices. Turkey
Turkey’s COVID-19 cases surge as restrictions relaxed during Eid As holiday-makers flock to Turkey’s coastal areas and cast aside masks and social distancing, a surge in COVID-19 figures fans worries in the health sector of a fourth coronavirus wave, possibly as early as August. Turkey