Turkey lifts veil on unemployment data, revealing bigger army of jobless A new, broader set of labor statistics has exposed a big gap between Turkey’s official unemployment rate and the actual joblessness in the crisis-hit country. Turkey
Rights group criticizes Jordan over debt imprisonment Human Rights Watch has highlighted the plight of poor Jordanians imprisoned for failing to pay back loans taken out to meet basic needs. Jordan
COVID accelerates evolution of Gulf economies The economic policy response to COVID-19 is an acceleration of specific trends already underway across the Gulf Cooperation Council members, variously affecting tax policy, labor market regulation and immigration policy. Saudi Arabia
Iran receives COVID-19 vaccine from Cuba Iran enjoys warm relations with the Latin American state and the two countries are also developing a coronavirus vaccine together. Iran
Sudan reopens airport to flights from Egypt, UAE, Turkey The reopening follows the easing of virus-related restrictions and a modest decline in daily COVID-19 cases. Sudan
Why Turkey is trying to improve its profile in the Maghreb In parallel with its military activities in Libya and rising profile in Africa, Ankara moves to strengthen its geostrategic and geo-economic ties with Maghreb countries. Turkey
Emirates resumes more international flights as restrictions ease The addition of flights to Los Angeles, Dar es Salaam and other destinations follows the resumption of tourism to Dubai. United Arab Emirates
Israel’s middle class sags as aid package delayed Young Israelis and the country's middle class are facing the biggest economic crisis Israel has ever experienced as the pandemic's second wave crashes. Israel
UAE residents opt for staycations amid COVID-19 crisis Hotels in the United Arab Emirates are one by one reopening across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, with numerous money-saving staycation options. United Arab Emirates
Israel, UAE test potential for cooperation on COVID-19 The agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates' Group 42 and Israel’s IAI and Rafael companies offers a glimpse of the potential for cooperation -- if not deterred by annexation. United Arab Emirates
R&D potential could be key to spark Saudi economy The impact of COVID-19 and low oil prices has led to even further expected declines in Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product, but research and development could hold the key to an economic reset. Saudi Arabia
Britain extends lifeline to Turkish tourism by lifting quarantine rule Turkey hopes visitors from the United Kingdom will help offset the deep losses its coronavirus-hit tourism industry is expected to suffer this summer season and is pushing the European Union to reconsider its "safe list" that excluded the Mediterranean destination. Turkey
Yemeni economy in free fall amid collapsing currency, COVID-19 The majority of Yemeni society bears the consequences and stands alone, unable to confront the ravages of war, division and the ongoing economic deterioration. Yemen
As Iran applauds BLM, Afghan minority short on rights While the Iranian government points to the "Black Lives Matter" movement as proof of American hypocrisy, Iran's Afghan minority has a different take. Iran
Second wave of virus pummels Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity is falling amid a spike in coronavirus cases. Israel
Israeli airline reaches bailout deal with government Israel’s flag carrier El Al and the government reached a bailout plan, which would mean huge layoffs and sizing down flights. Israel
