Lebanon's resistance through culture: Return of Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema As Beirut continues to navigate its path toward recovery, Metropolis Cinema stands as a symbol of the enduring power of art and culture to resist, unite and inspire. Lebanon
Analysis How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry While the country's first entry at Cannes didn’t win, its inclusion in the festival was another step toward Saudi ambitions to become a film industry powerhouse. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UK music festival rocked by boycotts as artists shun Israel The artists are refusing to play at the Great Escape Festival in Brighton, a seaside resort in South England, over one of the sponsors' ties to Israel. Israel
‘Written Eye’ exhibit breathes life into Syria's art scene Several young artists showcased their works at a new-concept exhibition held in the heart of the Syrian capital, signaling a revival of the Syrian art scene after years of war. Syria
Conservative groups seek to shut down concerts in Iraq Iraqis fear that Islamic parties and armed religious groups are trying to impose their fundamentalist views on social and personal freedoms. Iraq
Artist's retirement prompts debate in Egypt: is singing allowed or against religion? Jordanian artist Adham Nabulsi has retired from singing so he can “worship God and obey his commands,” sparking controversy over whether or not singing and acting are considered haram. Egypt
Turkey cracks down on bootleg alcohol ahead of New Year celebrations Following news of bootleg-related deaths, the Interior Ministry launched Operation Alcohol across the country, while critics say the government uses these high-profile operations to demonize alcohol consumption. Turkey
Turkey’s belly dancers can't shake government TV censors Gone are the days where belly dancers appeared on Turkish TVs as part of the country's New Year's Eve celebrations. Turkey
Jeddah Red Sea Film Festival marks historic moment for Saudi filmmakers Saudis, Arabs, world stars and celebrities walked the red carpet in the conservative kingdom in a scene that no one could have imagined a few years ago. Culture
UK nominates documentary on femicide in Turkey for Oscars “Dying to Divorce,” the United Kingdom’s official entry into the Academy Awards for best international feature film, tells the story of Turkey’s gender-based violence victims, femicide and the inability of the legal system to bring the perpetrators to justice. Turkey
Zawyeh Gallery expands Palestinian contemporary art collection to Dubai The Palestinian Zawyeh Gallery has opened a second location in Dubai. Gulf
Gaming offers livelihood for some young Syrians Video games have recently become a way to earn money for young Syrians amid scarce job opportunities in all fields and financial hardships. Syria
Syrian-Kurdish couple sets Amude's cinema ghosts to rest Since a deadly fire in 1960, going to the cinema has been taboo in the Kurdish town of Amude in northeastern Syria, and a couple who recently emigrated from Europe hopes to change things. Syria
Famed Syrian singer Omar Souleyman arrested in Turkey Omar Souleyman is accused by Turkey of being a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, aka PKK. News Brief
Why was cosmopolitan Istanbul so threatening to Turkish identity? A new Netflix series has kicked off conversations on long-hushed questions about Turkish identity. Turkey
Egypt joins Gulf states in banning 'Eternals' Egypt joins Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in banning the movie "Eternals," raising questions about freedom of creativity and expression. Egypt
