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
Israeli COVID-19 vaccine pill to begin human trials Israel is home to a few experimental treatments for the coronavirus. News Brief
World Bank approves loan to Egypt, praises government for growth during pandemic The loan accompanies various reforms, including actions to increase economic participation of women. News Brief
Iran imports more Sinopharm vaccines from China Iran is finally making progress with its vaccination campaign against COVID-19, though virus cases are still rising. News Brief
Bahrain authorizes China’s Sinopharm vaccine for children Authorities around the world are divided on the necessity of vaccinating children against COVID-19. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
Israel announces plan to admit vaccinated tourists Under the plan, which requires approval from the Cabinet, tourists who received their second vaccine dose or booster shot in the last six months are eligible for entry into Israel. Israel
Kuwait to ease virus restrictions The Gulf state places strict restrictions on unvaccinated people despite low case counts and a low vaccination rate. News Brief
Despite vaccination push, Iran nearing sixth wave of COVID Despite rising vaccination rates, Iran sees a sixth wave of coronavirus on the horizon. Iran
Bennett puts Israeli parents in charge of virus testing The parents of Israeli students will now need to test their children for the coronavirus before can return to school after the Sukkot holiday. Israel
'Futuristic' Dubai Expo to open one year late Delayed by the pandemic, Dubai is ready to take its turn on the world stage with its $6.8 billion showcase expo. Gulf
Qatar Airways reports $4 billion in losses Qatar Airways' finances were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the previous fiscal year, though the airline has now largely rebuilt its flight network. News Brief
Bennett’s UN speech stirs controversy in Israel over pandemic efforts In his speech at the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made it clear that he, not the health authorities, have the final say on the national campaign against the coronavirus. Israel
