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
Saudi Arabia’s race for Gulf economic leadership takes to the sky The kingdom diversification plan goes head-to-head with flag carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways, as intra-Gulf economic rivalries heat up on all fronts. Legacy: Gulf
Jordan prices entice Israeli vacationers High prices in Israeli hotels might drive locals to prefer trips to Jordan or Egypt as international travel cautiously resumes. Israel
Israel records highest daily coronavirus cases in three months The number of COVID-19 infections in Israel, which includes those of the delta variant, is still relatively low in the country. News Brief
Saudi Arabia plans second national airline in tourism push The additional airline would help position the Gulf state as a global logistics hub, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said. Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi offers tourists free coronavirus vaccines The capital of the United Arab Emirates is also set to remove quarantine requirements on travelers from certain countries deemed low-risk. United Arab Emirates
Emirates loses more than $5 billion in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic has led to job cuts and a massive cash injection from the government. News Brief
Iran and Russia sign visa waiver agreement The deal focuses on making it easier for large tourist groups to travel to Iran and Russia. News Brief
Documentaries explore Cairo’s old neighborhoods, alleyways An Egyptian archaeologist has launched an initiative to shed light on Cairo’s heritage by filming short documentaries about the various alleys and streets in the capital. Culture
Turkish vaccinated tourism video provokes anger Foreign tourists are exempt from Turkey's coronavirus lockdown, and hospitality workers were given priority in receiving the vaccine. Turkey
Egypt, Russia agree to resume flights to Red Sea resorts Russia suspended flights to Egypt in 2015 after the Islamic State brought down a Russian airline over the Sinai peninsula. News Brief
Turkey’s tourism sector fears another disastrous year Apprehension is growing in Turkey that its tourism sector, a vital hard-currency earner, might fail to recuperate in 2021 amid a new peak in the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
Erdogan is MENA’s most popular leader, Arab Barometer finds Turkey's promotion of cultural heritage, including through its tourism and entertainment sectors, is one reason for Erdogan's popularity. However, the perception of the Ottoman legacy is gradually shifting from one of praise to one of condemnation toward Turkish policies. News Brief
