Inside the scheme to grab ‘holy’ land in Jerusalem’s Armenian quarter Local activists are working to stop a megadeal signed by the Armenian patriarch to lease land to a luxury hotel developer. Palestine
What we know about Algeria’s mega mosque, the largest in Africa The inauguration of the mosque culminates years of delay, partially prompted by country’s political history but also with construction controversies. Algeria
Iraq's Mosul rises from Islamic State ashes to rebuild minarets, museum As Mosul makes a slow revival from the remnants of war, a host of challenges remain, including corrupt officials and institutional weaknesses in Iraq. Iraq
UAE discovers Gulf's oldest known pearling town The town discovered on Siniyah Island showed clear evidence of its pearling industry from the sixth century AD. Gulf
Egypt to turn ancient government building into hotel The Egyptian government is implementing a project to repurpose one of the oldest and most famous buildings in downtown Cairo into a mixed-use development building to achieve profits and boost tourism. Egypt
UAE bans exports of India-sourced wheat, restricts others The Ministry of Economy said the decision was motivated by global supply chain disruptions as well as the recent trade agreement between the UAE and India. Gulf
Renovation work at historic Cairo mosque angers architects Several Egyptian architects believe that the renovation project of Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo’s historic district has ruined the area’s heritage and architectural aspect. Egypt
Analysis The Takeaway: Turkey thrust into spotlight amid Ukraine-Russia talks Turkey acts as mediator in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Israel is on high alert after a wave of terrorist attacks, how drones are revolutionizing the battlefield, and more. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti , Joe Snell
Egypt reclaims land for new port city, but environmental concerns loom Egypt is constructing a new port city near Alexandria by reclaiming land from the Mediterranean Sea, but the project has sparked fears over negative environmental impacts. Egypt
The Takeaway: Israel’s military threats shadow Iran nuclear talks Erdogan digs in on lira; Egypt, Ethiopia tensions rise again over Nile Dam; Assassins "carefully planned" attack on Iraqi PM; Iraqi Shiite scholars ponder post-Sistani era; Children become breadwinners in besieged Idlib; The return of Mohammed Ali Pasha’s palace … all in less than 1,200 words. Israel
Historic Cairo regains its ancient glory The Egyptian government is reviving Historic Cairo to make a unique tourist attraction. Egypt
Life returns to 1800s palace in Egypt The Egyptian authorities are preparing to reopen the palace of Mohammed Ali Pasha in the Shubra area, north of Cairo, after extensive restoration works. Culture
Egypt reinvents Qubba Palace as history museum The Egyptian government has decided to transform Qubba Palace, one of the largest presidential palaces, into a museum housing several historical museums and gardens. Culture
Six years later, Egypt begins transfer to new capital President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has directed the government to start the actual transfer to the government district in the New Administrative Capital in December, but observers believe such relocation faces some obstacles. Egypt
Egyptians alarmed as government delists protected park A government decision to cross out a public park from the country's heritage list has dismayed Egyptians, wary of the authorities' plans to develop the park. Egypt
Controversial Egyptian slum removal mars Giza Plateau upgrade The Nazlet al-Saman slum blemished the Giza Plateau for many decades, but its ongoing removal is bringing criticism of the government. Egypt
