Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
Sri Lanka arrests 3 men in plot to attack Israeli-run Jewish center: What we know Three Sri Lankan nationals were arrested on Thursday after Israel's National Security Council urged Israelis to leave certain areas of the country due to "credible terrorism threats." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Qatar to join US visa-free travel list in first for Arab country Qatar is set to become the second Middle Eastern country, behind Israel, to join the US Visa Waiver Program. Qatar
Analysis Can Saudi Arabia afford giga-projects with oil prices under $75 per barrel? Riyadh could soon run a current account deficit as oil revenue declines amid huge spending commitments toward ambitious Vision 2030 projects. Saudi-led OPEC has also deferred an output increase plan to allow more time to reach desired oil prices. By Jennifer Gnana , Samuel Wendel
As Hajj kicks off, Saudi Arabia looks to expand tourism sector By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Archaeology clashes with development in Turkey's ancient city of Sagalassos Excavated since 1990 by Belgian and Turkish archaeologists, Sagalassos offers not only a visit through majestic Roman monuments but also a glimpse on how people lived, worked, worshipped and died in the past. Turkey
Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, pristine snow beckons winter tourists Cappadocia offers intrepid tourists and art lovers alike plenty to do and see during the winter months. Turkey
Saudi and Israeli tourism campaigns offer stark contrast in transparency Public relations firms working to promote travel to foreign countries are all over the map when it comes to lobbying and PR disclosures. Saudi Arabia
Are silk and saffron the future of this Anatolian town? The first female mayor of Safranbolu, a town dating to the 11th century, is eager to put her UNESCO-protected city on Turkey's tourism map. Turkey
Art, urban planning rejuvenates Central Anatolian city Eskisehir combines restored Ottoman-era homes with new and hip museums, bars and galleries, attracting people from all over Turkey. Turkey
New tourism: learning about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict An alternative tourism market, which offers tourists a chance to join Palestinians in an olive harvest or tour a refugee camp, has developed in Israel, so that tourists can experience the complex reality of this land. Palestine
Egypt calls Luxor coffins 'greatest discovery of century' The 30 uniquely well preserved coffins recently found in Egypt's southern city of Luxor are a godsend to Egyptian tourism. Egypt
Will Thomas Cook's collapse have long-term impact on Egypt's tourism sector? Egypt's tourist industry was just getting back on its feet when Thomas Cook collapsed, producing more uncertainty in the sector. Egypt
New Turkish hotel combines modern architecture, Roman mosaics Ancient Antiochian mosaics and ruins are securely housed and on display inside a luxury hotel-museum in Antakya. Turkey
Egyptian clerics reach out to vacationing young people Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments is sending clerics to the North Coast, as videos of young people dancing on the beach there have recently surfaced. Egypt
Ramon Airport: Israel’s white elephant in the desert It’s been seven months since the festive inauguration of the Ramon Airport, which despite its hefty price tag, has failed to meet anyone's expectations. Israel
Lebanon's green turtles threatened by new resort The Orange House Project, an environmental NGO, has been trying to ensure that turtles reach the sea after their eggs are hatched, but its job gets more difficult every year. Lebanon