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
Abu Dhabi lifts quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers Under the new guidelines, vaccinated travelers must still test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure and upon landing. United Arab Emirates
With new Iranian president comes new promises of vaccines The new administration has made a number of promises on vaccines. Iran
Fears grow in Iran as pandemic worsens Iran wrestles with record infection and mortality rates and officials worry that a new variant could come in on the heels of the Delta variant, which has been ravaging the country. Iran
Weary of restrictions, maskless Turks risk fourth wave as variants take hold Nearly 18 months of coronavirus and a growing vaccination campaign has left many in Turkey careless about the risks of new variants of COVID-19. Turkey
Qatar to provide coronavirus vaccines for Afghan evacuees COVID-19 tests and vaccines will be administered to Afghan evacuees who don't immediately depart for other flights, the Qatari Foreign Ministry has said. Qatar
Israel considers canceling Green Pass for those without booster shot Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said there was no justification for giving a Green Pass to people who had not gotten the third, booster vaccination dose. Israel
Israeli minister lambasted for seeking surrogate help The announcement by Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli on her baby being born by an American surrogate mother generated enormous public debate about the issue and about Michaeli’s convictions. Israel
Iraq under pressure to open borders for Shiite pilgrims despite pandemic While the Iraqi government attempts to prevent the spread of the delta variant from Iran, there is internal and external pressure to open its borders for Shiite pilgrims to visit the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf. Iraq
Tunisia fears losing doctors as nation counts cost of COVID surge Tunisia’s catastrophic third wave of infections this summer has exhausted doctors. Poor working conditions and lack of respite is driving doctors overseas, as medical chiefs warn of dangerous shortages of staff to fight a fourth wave. North Africa
Israel lowers booster age to 30 as COVID-19 cases top 1 million Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Israel is encouraging a third booster shot for pregnant women, health care workers, teachers and people over 30. Israel
New vaccination campaign targets Arab-Israelis Arab legislators, community leaders and also the government are joining forces in promoting coronavirus vaccinations for the Arab-Israeli public. Israel
Oman lifts ban on vaccinated travelers from 18 countries Oman is loosening restrictions on travel amid a decline in COVID-19 cases across the Gulf country. Oman
