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
How vaccine win could deliver Netanyahu election Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be banking on getting all of Israel vaccinated against COVID-19 by March 23. Israel
Lebanon to enter new national lockdown Thursday An overnight curfew and other restrictions will run through Feb. 1. Lebanon
Israel's vaccination drive tops 10% of population Israel expects to administer the vaccine to two million people by the end of the month. Israel
Despite COVID-19 crisis, Egypt’s prestigious Opera House holds Christmas events The Egyptian Opera House organized Christmas celebrations with the participation of many musical groups, while taking into account precautionary measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Egypt
Egyptian cinema industry declares war on streaming services The crisis has intensified between the makers of "Saheb Al Maqam," an Egyptian film first made available on digital platforms, and the Chamber of Cinema Industry, which has blocked it from being screened in movie theaters. Egypt
Gaza unable to crack down on antiquities smuggling The antiquities that litter the ruins of Gaza are increasingly being trafficked, with the government unable to keep up. Palestine
Palestine’s 'techno queen' scapegoated by politicians trying to escape responsibility Misinterpretations of a music video shot in the area of a West Bank holy site cause anger, an arrest of the DJ and the burning of furniture to be used for the development of cultural tourism at the location. Palestine
Iran begins trials for domestically produced vaccine Iran is also reportedly importing the Pfizer vaccine amid pressure from citizens as the virus continues to spread. Iran
Israel leads in vaccinations Israel's vaccination drive is in high gear, operating seven days a week, 24 hours per day, including on the Sabbath. Israel
UAE helps Gaza resume COVID-19 testing as normalization dust settles The UAE sent a medical aid convoy to the Gaza Strip as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, in the first such shipment since normalizing ties with Israel. United Arab Emirates
Dubai begins administering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Saudi Arabia and Israel have also approved the American-German vaccine. United Arab Emirates
Hamas walks back 'Christmas ban' in Gaza after uproar A memo leaked from the Hamas-run Ministry of Religious Endowments and Affairs in the Gaza Strip taken as a ban on Christmas and New Year festivities outraged Christian and Muslim Palestinians alike. Palestine
