Gendarmerie operation sparks controversy in Petra, Jordan Petra’s tribal entrepreneurs react to a security operation carried out inside Jordan’s most-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site with criticism and concern for their livelihoods. Jordan
Despite war, thousands of Israeli Hasidim make pilgrimage to Ukraine Much like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine won’t stop thousands of Hasidim from reaching the city of Uman and the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov just before the Jewish New Year. Israel
Middle East airlines to suffer losses again in 2022 The International Air Transport Association said that airlines in the region will fare somewhat better financially due to the return of long-haul flights. Gulf
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Vaccinated Saudis free to travel abroad as ban lifted Saudi Arabia on Monday rolled back an international travel ban that has remained in place since March 2020. Saudi Arabia
Dubai greenlights concerts, sporting events Authorities in the UAE's largest city removed several virus-related restrictions on gatherings on Monday following vaccine progress. News Brief
Turkish vaccinated tourism video provokes anger Foreign tourists are exempt from Turkey's coronavirus lockdown, and hospitality workers were given priority in receiving the vaccine. Turkey
Lockdown stems virus surge in Turkey but slow vaccination raises concern Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday a nationwide lockdown would be gradually lifted as planned on May 17, though health experts urged caution amid a vaccination campaign slowed by supply hurdles. Turkey
Saudi Arabia to require all workers get vaccinated Workers in both the private and public sector must receive the vaccine before returning to their workplaces, according to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Development. Saudi Arabia
Why are Syrian refugees returning from Turkey? More Syrian refugees are expected to return home from Turkey this year if the Turkish authorities continue to impose lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19. Syria
Iraq announces 10-day lockdown amid virus surge Iraq, which is struggling to vaccinate its population, recently topped 1 million coronavirus cases. Iraq
Israel flies medical aid to India An Israeli plane loaded with medical aid arrived to India this morning and others will soon follow. Israel
Saudi Arabia to lift international travel ban on vaccinated citizens Beginning May 17, Saudi citizens who have received the vaccine or have recovered from the virus in the last six months will be allowed to travel abroad. Saudi Arabia
Tunisian TV show pranks guests with 'lethal' COVID-19 vaccines The WHO wants a Tunisian hidden camera prank show that purports to show people dying or falling seriously ill after taking COVID-19 vaccinations taken off the air. North Africa
Low efficacy rates mar China’s COVID diplomacy in Gulf states After a top Chinese health official acknowledged that the Chinese-produced vaccines have lower efficacy rates, will Gulf states using the product turn to other providers? Gulf
Reeling from COVID-19 slump, Turkey's demographic challenges loom large As part of his nationalistic agenda, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been encouraging families to have at least three children, but soaring brain drain and falling birth rates stand as major predicaments in front of his ambitions. Turkey
