New exhibition spotlights forgotten Egyptians who discovered King Tut Delving into the archives of British archaeologist Howard Carter, who led the mission down to the pharaoh’s burial chamber, the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries shines a spotlight on the immense contribution of the locals — a role largely overlooked by history. Culture
Photographer captures surrealist post-explosion Beirut at Dubai art show Surreal silos and ruins of ancient buildings are the subjects of the new series of works by Dia Mrad, recently presented at the biggest art fair in the Middle East. Culture
Threat of demolition looms over Cairo’s historic necropolis A group of architects, historians and other heritage enthusiasts have launched a campaign to safeguard the City of the Dead in the face of the government’s new infrastructure plans. Culture
First underwater fashion show in Egypt Egyptian fashion designer Amany Yehia held her first underwater photo shoot, the first of its kind in Egypt. Culture
In rural Egypt, women seek fertility help from the dead Desperate women in Upper Egypt turn to ancient superstitions to boost their fertility with practices that can be both grisly and dangerous. Egypt
New generation of Arabic-singing Israelis move charts A new generation of Israeli singers, many of whose families are from countries in the Arab world, choose to sing in Arabic in order to trace their roots. Israel
House parties the New Year's vogue in Turkey Facing increasing public scrutiny about celebrating New Year’s Eve, a lot of Turks find comfort in professionally organized house parties catering to all budgets and tastes. Turkey
Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices. Egypt
Graphic novel brings human side of Yemen to life Despite the ravaging war, real life in Yemen remains mysterious to outsiders, and two Italian authors are sharing their take with "The Yemeni Bride." Yemen
Ancient Mideast tastes mingle in stuffed holiday dishes In the Middle East, just as in the Western world, the end of the year is a time for stuffed dishes — and for debating who started each long and rich tradition. Palestine
Iraq's bursting plastic surgery world dangerously unregulated More Iraqis than ever are seeking out cosmetic surgery and other services, and many unlicensed facilities and providers are rushing to meet the demand. Iraq
Olives, pistachios inspire young Gaza designers Two students from the Gaza Strip won a regional package-design competition using sustainable materials to meet local needs, and their work is now being evaluated for world recognition. Palestine
Nazareth celebrates Christmas without usual glitter Popular Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam first canceled, then uncanceled, the Christmas festivities at Nazareth, the city known as Jesus’ hometown, in response to Trump's Jerusalem declaration. While the festivities went on as usual, very few people joined the celebration. Israel
Pilgrims celebrate Christmas under Church of the Nativity's new roof Bethlehem's ancient Church of the Nativity is undergoing a long overdue renovation, and its wooden roof and mosaics have been restored in time for Christmas. Palestine
Egyptian director sticks tongue out at movie kisses The film "Stop Kissing Me" takes a satirical look at the romance scenes in Egyptian films, but risks getting the kiss of death from Egypt's censorship authority. Egypt
Jordan pays homage to Palestinian 'Lady Photographer' with exhibit In a neighborhood in Amman, a photography exhibition honors Karimeh Abbud, also known as the "Lady Photographer," who stood apart from her male contemporaries with her unique access to Palestinian women in their homes. Palestine