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
Yemen asks for 'balanced' vaccine donation at UN forum Yemen has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the world, and suffering related to the COVID-19 pandemic is compounded by the ongoing war in the country. Yemen
Gaza's children ravaged by third wave of COVID-19 pandemic Children in the Gaza Strip are the latest victims of vaccine scarcity during the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
Israel’s Bennett endorses self-testing, booster shots over lockdowns in UN speech The Israeli prime minister said that countries should avoid the “economic price” of lockdowns by vaccinating and offering mass testing. News Brief
UAE relaxes mask rules as COVID-19 cases decline Masks are no longer required while exercising outdoors or at public beaches and swimming pools, Emirati health authorities announced Wednesday. United Arab Emirates
Iran to lift visa restrictions to revive pandemic-hit tourism sector Iran’s new tourism chief said the government will soon scrap visa restrictions, a plan that the struggling tourism sector has been desperately waiting for to get back on its feet amid the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Egypt receives vaccine doses via France The AstraZeneca vaccine doses were delivered via the World Health Organization's COVAX initiative. News Brief
Northwest Syria running low on COVID-19 tests, oxygen amid conflict The International Rescue Committee said coronavirus cases are increasing dramatically in the war-torn rebel territory. Syria
Anti-vaxxer Turks protest Bill Gates at Istanbul rally Thousands of Turks came together in Istanbul to protest vaccinations, mandatory testing and other coronavirus measures while the country's overworked doctors lashed out at authorities for allowing the demonstration. Turkey
Israeli prime minister cracks down after pilgrims falsify test results New rules will be enforced after some Israelis with COVID-19 returned to the country from Ukraine using forged negative test results. Israel
Egypt establishes largest coronavirus vaccine factory in Middle East Egypt is preparing to inaugurate the VACSERA factory complex in the 6th of October City, aiming to produce various types of vaccines in cooperation with major international companies. Egypt
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
