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
Dubai restaurants to stop screening dining areas during Ramadan fast Restaurants in the UAE's largest city previously had to screen off places where people ate during fasting hours during the Islamic holy month, as is customary throughout the region. United Arab Emirates
Ancient South Sinai city of Saint Catherine to get facelift Egypt has begun implementing the first phase of a project to develop the city of Saint Catherine in South Sinai and promote tourism in the area. Egypt
EgyptAir seeks additional flights to Tel Aviv Israeli media outlets hailed EgyptAir’s decision to operate and increase the number of flights to Tel Aviv as a sign of a boost in Israel-Egypt ties. Egypt
Israel prepares for wave of Muslim tourists With the signing of the Abraham Accords and the opening of Emirati, Bahraini and Moroccan diplomatic missions, Israel is now preparing for an unprecedented wave of Muslim tourists. Israel
Iraq gives visa on arrival to citizens of 30 countries The list includes the United States, China and other large economies in a bid to attract investment to Iraq; most foreigners need to apply for a visa before traveling to Iraq. Iraq
Israeli air carrier requests to fly to Sharm el-Sheikh In another sign of warming relations, Israel's Israir Airlines Ltd. wants to operate flights from Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Sinai Sharm el-Sheikh resort town. Israel
Etihad flying with fully vaccinated crews The Abu Dhabi-based airline was the first in the world to vaccinate all of its pilots and cabin crew against the coronavirus. Originals
Cairo Eye aims to turn Egypt into global tourism hub The Egyptian government has laid the foundation stone of a massive project to build the Cairo Eye, the fifth-largest in the world, as part of efforts to boost tourism. Egypt
One of the world’s oldest churches sits in small town in the West Bank Burqin, a town in the northern West Bank, is home to one of the oldest churches in the world, the Church of the Ten Lepers, where Jesus Christ is said to have performed a miracle of healing lepers who were confined in the church’s cave. Palestine
Saudi, Kuwaiti investments boost Cairo, Sphinx airports Egypt received offers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to invest in projects to expand the Cairo and Sphinx international airports, as part of efforts to boost tourism and put Egypt on the global transit map. Egypt
Israel issues travel warning involving several Middle Eastern states The Israeli government wants Israelis to avoid travel to the UAE, Turkey and other countries following the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist. Israel
Oman to issue tourist visas after 8-month suspension Travelers whose trips are organized through hotels or tourism companies can apply for visas. Oman
