Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Rich families buy second citizenship in post-Ritz Saudi Arabia Political repression following the rise of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has pushed some wealthy Saudis to buy second passports. Saudi Arabia
West Bank village celebrates end of 20-year-old Israeli roadblock The residents of Qalqas, south of Hebron, will finally see the main road to their town’s entrance reopened, blocked in 2000 by the Israeli authorities. Palestine
As Israel enters lockdown, Netanyahu protesters vow to continue As Israel enters a strict nationwide lockdown, activist groups say they will swap mass rallies with car convoys to express their anger at the government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Turkish army accused of throwing Kurdish farmers from helicopter Allegations that Turkish soldiers took two Kurdish farmers up in a helicopter and threw them out fit a broader pattern of operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party in rural areas. Turkey
Amnesty calls on EU to reconsider Libya cooperation over migrant abuse The rights group called on the European Union to make support for Libya's coast guard conditional upon ending longstanding abuse of migrants. Libya
UAE records new high in COVID-19 cases The United Arab Emirates is trying to simultaneously fight the resurgence of the coronavirus and boost its tourism industry. United Arab Emirates
Israel sets new virus record with nearly 7,000 new cases in one day The Health Ministry announced 6,923 confirmed cases, shattering the previous highest single-day total of 5,533. Israel
Turkey considers new restrictions as infections rise New COVID-19 cases and death rates in Turkey have returned to levels not seen since May, prompting officials to consider tighter restrictions following a partial reopening of public schools. Turkey
Third COVID-19 wave overwhelms Iranian hospitals A third wave of coronavirus infections is bringing Iran's medical infrastructure to its knees as the country’s health minister points to a lack of financial support. Iran
Archaeologists worry new roads could damage pyramids The construction of two highways near the ruins of the ancient city of Memphis has alarmed archaeologists, who fear that traffic on the new roads will damage the archaeological treasures in the area and expose them to theft. Egypt
Abu Dhabi scraps liquor license requirement for alcohol purchases People in the emirate now need only be of age and in a certified drinking area such as a bar to consume alcohol. United Arab Emirates
Saudis ready for kingdom’s first women’s soccer league Saudi female soccer players are eagerly waiting for Saudi Arabia’s first women’s soccer league to be launched in October, after being delayed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Saudi Arabia
