Saudi Arabia’s falcon auction aims to spin tradition into tourism gold Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy and cultural tourism. Saudi Arabia
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
Analysis How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Disney to dub new film Encanto in Egyptian Arabic after 10-year hiatus The company began dubbing its films in standard Arabic a decade ago, in a decision that was widely interpreted in political terms and which sparked strong controversy among Arabic-speaking fans. Egypt
Film about Israel collaborators sparks outcry in Palestine Conservative Palestinians are outraged at a Palestinian film about Palestinians collaborating with Israel, which also features nudity and indecency. Palestine
Art Dubai embraces digital, NFTs, Global South At Art Dubai, digital art and the Global South are spotlighted at the fair’s largest edition to date. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Beirut artists interpret experience of nonconformance in Middle East A comic book artist and a photographer/editor speak of the queer community in Lebanon, and how it has changed over time. Lebanon
First female Afro-Iraqi TV presenter says 'time to see all Iraqi colors' Iraqi public television has appointed an Afro-Iraqi presenter for the first time in the country's history. Iraq
Dubai gallery explores new frontier of NFTs as art objects Non-fungible tokens represent a new way to buy, sell and experience art, and many artists and collectors in the Gulf have become enthusiastic participants. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt, Saudi Arabia compete over title of regional art pioneer Egypt’s United Media Services, a production company linked to Egyptian intelligence, decided to contract with veteran Egyptian actor Mohamed Sobhi after his recent clash with Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. Egypt
Egyptian band on mission to protect dying Zar ritual The Zar ritual has seen better days, but an Egyptian band has taken upon itself the mission of keeping this ritual alive. Egypt
Egyptians outraged over movie depicting gay couple An Egyptian-German-Lebanese-produced movie recently screened at the 72nd Berlin Film Festival has sparked outcry in Egypt for depicting homosexuality. Egypt
Controversy in Egypt over film starring ex-IDF soldier Gal Gadot Controversy prevailed in Egypt and Arab countries over the film "Death on the Nile" starring Gal Gadot. Culture & Society
New Gaza fashion house offers courses in design Fashion designer Khalil Khudair and his partner Aya Eid have opened a new fashion house in Gaza to train aspiring young designers. Palestine
Hamas looks to push its own narrative with new series to rival 'Fauda' Hamas is producing a new series that will air during the month of Ramadan, with the aim to debunk the Israeli narrative of events in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
