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
Abu Dhabi private schools returning to in-person classes Remote education has led to difficulties for students throughout the world, including in Middle Eastern countries. United Arab Emirates
Japan to help struggling Palestinian tourism industry A Japanese nonprofit is also supporting a female-run dairy farm in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Pandemic no longer Israeli tourism's top problem The Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as China maintaining strict COVID-related travel regulations, could present obstacles to a tourism recovery in Israel. Israel
Saudi Arabia resumes visa on arrival for US, EU visa holders The kingdom greatly relaxed its visa rules before the pandemic in an effort to boost tourism. Saudi Arabia
Turkey drops mask rules as it heads for normality ahead of tourist season Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announces a return to normal life after two years of COVID-19 measures, but medical association warns it may be too early. Turkey
Emirati budget airline Air Arabia reports record profits after loss in 2020 The Sharjah-based carrier said profits went up due to relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s food delivery couriers latest to strike amid economic crisis A spate of industrial action from courier drivers comes as they step into an important gap created by COVID isolation. Turkey
World Bank gives Palestinian Authority new grant to fight COVID-19 The global financial institution has already provided the PA with funding amid concerns about testing capacity in the West Bank and Gaza. Palestine
Bahrain cracks down on restaurants that allegedly violated virus rules Bahrain is experiencing historic highs in COVID-19 cases, though hospitalizations and deaths remain low. News Brief
Qatar helps Philippines purchase Chinese COVID-19 vaccines Qatar has also provided coronavirus vaccine doses to Afghan refugees. News Brief
More than 200 charged in Qatar for not wearing masks COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in Qatar, though hospitalizations remain low. News Brief
Tunisian police fire water cannon, tear gas on anti-Saied protesters The protesters gathered in downtown Tunis on what marked the 11th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Tunisia's former dictator. Tunisia
