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
Culture Five Pharaonic wells uncovered in Sinai The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently announced the discovery of five water wells, a storehouse and a copper smelting workshop dating back to the Pharaonic era in the Tel el-Kidwa area, north of Sinai. Egypt
Egypt extends stay of stranded Ukrainian, Russian tourists Ukrainian tourists stuck in Egypt talk to Al-Monitor about the pain they feel to watch their loved ones and families suffering back home as a result of the Russian war. Egypt
How Ukraine crisis undermines Turkey's economic program Ankara’s economic program has hit a deadlock under the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a stream of fuel hikes, canceled tourism bookings and textile orders, and shortage fears in the food sector. Turkey
Ukrainians in Egypt share dreadful moments of Russian invasion Ukrainians in Egypt are doing what they can to help or support their families back in Ukraine. Egypt
Turkey drops mask rules as it heads for normality ahead of tourist season Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announces a return to normal life after two years of COVID-19 measures, but medical association warns it may be too early. Turkey
Analysis Israel hopes to triple trade with Morocco Israel and Morocco have signed a trade and investment cooperation agreement, with Israel aspiring to enlarge its annual trade volume with Morocco from $131 million to $500 million. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Emirati budget airline Air Arabia reports record profits after loss in 2020 The Sharjah-based carrier said profits went up due to relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Direct Iran-Venezuela flights to begin next month A Venezuelan official said the South American country wants to attract Iranian tourists. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
More Russians visiting Dubai The number of tourists from Russia who vacationed in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city rose significantly in 2021. News Brief
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. News Brief
Women-led tourism initiatives are changing the way Egypt is seen, experienced More women are gradually breaking into Egypt’s tourism sector and launching their own projects, often promoting along the way a new type of experience to visitors. Egypt
