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
Foreign Ministry rescues Israelis stranded abroad during pandemic The Israeli Foreign Ministry, after being sidelined for years by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sees its vital role recognized as diplomats bring back young Israelis stranded abroad during the coronavirus crisis. Israel
Coronavirus robs Bethlehem of Easter festivities Easter, along with Chrismas, has been a high point for tourism in Bethlehem, the birthpace of Jesus, but alas, not this year. Palestine
Coronavirus cripples Egypt’s tourism industry Some analysts fear long-term effects on Egypt’s tourism sector from the coronavirus outbreak. Egypt
Egypt suspending all flights amid coronavirus spread As the number of Egypt's COVID-19 cases rise to 150, Cairo says that all flights will be suspended for nearly two weeks and that tourism sites will be thoroughly sanitized. Egypt
Tourists stay away as Egypt reopens oldest pyramid Egypt has finally reopened its oldest pyramid after 14 years of restoration work, but the timing could have been better. Egypt
Intel: Suicide bombing strikes near US Embassy in Tunisia Two suicide bombers on a motorcycle blow themselves up near the US Embassy in Tunis, killing a police officer. Tunisia
Saudi travel ban slams Egypt's religious tourism industry Seeking to curb the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended tourism to its holy sites to the detriment of Egypt's travel industry as the pilgrimage season approaches. Saudi Arabia
Coronavirus gives kiss of death to Iran’s tourism industry before Nowruz A coronavirus outbreak in Iran is hitting the country’s already battered tourism industry, and the timing couldn’t be worse as many would normally travel for the Persian New Year. Iran
Socks for tourists, jobs for refugees in Jordan Two young entrepreneurs in Jordan get women in refugee camps to knit socks for tourists. Jordan
Can Istanbul's mayor forge tourism as a tool for democracy? Tourism is providing a test case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s advocacy of “local participatory democracy," prompting a struggle with the government in Ankara over prominent landmarks in his city. Turkey
Is tourism the antidote to youth unemployment in Oman? Omani officials aim to create over 500,000 jobs in the tourism sector by 2040. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: What’s behind Israel’s latest decision to allow travel to Saudi Arabia Israeli citizens are now allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia for the first time in the country’s history. Saudi Arabia
