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
UAE sends more medical aid to Tunisia to fight virus The Emirati shipment followed the Tunisian president dismissing parliament and the prime minister last month in what critics have called a coup. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
UAE approves China's Sinopharm vaccine for children 3-17 The decision followed clinical trials in June involving 900 children in Abu Dhabi, including members of the royal family. United Arab Emirates
Iran's outgoing health minister asks for military-enforced lockdown Iran's health minister asked for a two-week lockdown to be enforced by the military to stop the spread of COVID-19. Iran
Saudi Arabia to require vaccination proof for foreign tourists Saudi Arabia has imposed some particularly strict travel measures recently amid regional concerns about coronavirus variants. Saudi Arabia
Middle East economic outlook hinges on vaccinations Five countries to watch: Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and Oman. Egypt
Secular Turks mock government’s appropriation of care-free lifestyles in Istanbul promo video The negative responses highlight what secular members of Turkish society perceive as the government’s interference in their lifestyle choices. Turkey
Fourth coronavirus wave in Israel rattles Bennett’s leadership New Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is challenged by his own ministers over the management of the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Israel
Saudi Arabia to impose travel ban for visits to 'red list' countries Citizens who travel to countries including the UAE, Indonesia and Turkey are at risk of penalties including a three-year ban on travel. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait bans unvaccinated citizens from traveling overseas Exceptions to the travel ban will be made for children under 16, pregnant women and certain adults with prior approval. Kuwait
Iraq faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases amid great challenges The Iraqi Ministry of Health worries that too many Iraqis are disregarding public health guidance and refusing to get vaccinated. Iraq
Turkey records highest daily virus toll since mid-May Turkey on Friday recorded 11,094 new cases and 60 deaths from COVID-19. Turkey
Israel to bring back 'Green Pass' indicating vaccine and virus status Israel's COVID-19 cases are increasing, but deaths remain at a historical low amid the spread of the delta variant. Israel
