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
Syrians outraged over Jackie Chan movie shot over rubble of their homes Syrians who were displaced from Hajar al-Aswad area of Damascus in the past years were shocked to see Chinese film crews standing on the rubble of their homes to shoot a new film by Jackie Chan. Syria
Russian painter claims paintings illegally used in Cairo metro mural A Russian artist revealed his paintings have been displayed in the national metro project in Egypt without his consent and without mentioning his name, threatening to take legal action. Egypt
First dance center inaugurated in Egypt An Egyptian dancer inaugurated the first oriental dance institute with the aim to preserve this art as an authentic Egyptian heritage. Egypt
Unique eco-art center to open in Israeli desert The soon-to-be-created Art Laboratory for Future Ecologies in the desert Arava region in southern Israel was envisioned by Israeli international artist Galit Eilat. Israel
Syrian musicians carve out small space in Istanbul’s live music scene Istanbul’s Syrian-run small art spaces have become a conduit of connection between locals and the refugee population through music amid high running anti-refugee sentiment across the country. Syria
Palestinian photojournalist turned artist inspires female students Rula Halawani's journey as an artist has always involved looking at the Palestinian land and people. Palestine
Iran arrests three filmmakers over protests Iran arrested Jafar Panahi after he was looking into the case of two other filmmakers accused of involvement in anti-government protests. Iran
Photojournalists share life on Nile Photographers and journalists from Nile Basin countries meet in Cairo to show their stories about the Nile in the EveryDayNile project amid growing concerns of water shares and cleanness. Egypt
Turkish exhibit reveals ‘extraordinary world’ of Ottoman Empire's last caliph A retrospective of the artwork of Abdulmecid II, Islam’s last caliph, illustrates the dynasty’s fusion of East and West. Turkey
Egypt's Al-Azhar lashes out at Disney for gay characters Calls are growing in Egypt for boycotting Walt Disney as the entertainment giant seeks to introduce gay characters in its production. Egypt
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. Legacy: Gulf
New Egyptian film depicts intrigue, power plays at Al-Azhar Egyptian-born director Tarek Saleh’s latest movie is his first to be shown at Cannes. Egypt
