Analysis Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars? A new agreement between MBC Group and the US industry giant appears to signal a shift in the Middle East's streaming market, with top players opting for collaboration over competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
In rare appearance, Fairuz mourns son Ziad Rahbani as Lebanon bids farewell Legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz attended the funeral of her son, renowned composer and playwright, Ziad Rahbani, at a church in a town north of Beirut, in her first public appearance in years. Lebanon
Turkey's Erdogan vows justice amid rage over alleged Prophet Muhammad cartoon A controversial cartoon has sparked mass protests, arrests and threats against a leading Turkish satire magazine. Turkey
Oscar-winning Palestinian director freed from Israeli detention after night in custody Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and later detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank as the Israeli army continues its raids in the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Analysis How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UK sanctions Lebanon art dealer accused of financing Hezbollah Already sanctioned by the United States back in 2019, Lebanese art dealer Nazem Said Ahmad was sanctioned by the British government on Tuesday. Iran
Arab women's group 'Khateera' dares to defy, one narrative at a time Khateera’s content ranges from misconceptions about women’s intelligence in society and women's unpaid labor, to heavier topics such as sexual rights and honor killings, toxic masculinity and the shame around periods in Middle East society. Legacy: Gulf
Explainer: Egypt cancels Kevin Hart’s show after ‘Black Egyptians’ reference Hart was criticized on Egyptian social media for comments he allegedly made asserting that ancient Egyptians were black. Egypt
'Punk Orientalism' looks at Russia’s complex relationship with Arab world through art Author Sara Raza explores in her new book the relationship of art between the former Soviet Union and the Arab world through the eyes of several artists. Legacy: Gulf
Palestinian artists win prestigious Israeli art prize for first time In winning the prestigious 2023 Rappaport award, Hannan Abu-Hussein and Maria Saleh Mahameed mark a breakthrough for Israeli-Arab artists. Palestine
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
Hajipour’s 'Baraye,' anthem of Iran's protests, wins Grammy award The first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, presented the award to Hajipour at the Grammy Awards, although Hajipour was not present. Biden called the song a “powerful and poetic call for women’s rights.” Iran
First-ever Islamic Arts Biennale held in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah The landmark event aimed to celebrate Islamic culture amid the kingdom’s cultural expansion. Legacy: Gulf
Restaurants in Dubai, Tel Aviv, Amman among top 50 in region Dubai’s Orfali Bros Bistro is No. 1. on The World's 50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East. It was founded by three Syrian brothers from Aleppo. Legacy: Gulf
BBC Arabic radio off air after 85 years, an 'end of an era' Journalists lamented the loss of the iconic station, but BBC will continue to produce Arabic-language content on its website. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Lebanon’s cultural scene roars back, defying the economic meltdown After years of dramatic political events and economic struggles, the Lebanese cultural scene is regaining its local footing, reopening museums and launching new ones. Lebanon
Israel's Jews flock to Arab towns for Christmas Many Arab towns and villages, not necessarily Christian, are now featuring Christmas markets, targeting also Israeli Jewish tourists. Israel
