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
Syria mandates burkinis for women at public beaches: What to know The decree has sparked concern that Syria’s new government could be veering toward a more strict Islamist governance system. Syria
What to know about 1,500-year-old Byzantine tomb uncovered in Syria A contractor found a tomb complex dating back to the Byzantine Empire in Syria's Idlib province, just as many residents have started returning to their homes following the fall of Assad. Syria
In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Jerusalem craftsman struggles to preserve Palestinian leather tradition Palestinian leatherworker Zuheir Abdul Rahim Daana is still making the crafts of his father and grandfather, but his business is suffering from supply challenges and cheap competition. Palestine
2018 'year of archaeological discoveries' for Egypt The Egyptian government has delivered on its promise that the year 2018 would be filled with notable archaeological discoveries in Egypt. Now the government has to find a way to boost tourism based on these archaeological treasures. Egypt
Week of art, design begins as twin fairs open in Beirut Beirut, a growing regional destination for artists, is showcasing its rich and diverse art scene with weeklong programs dedicated to contemporary art and design. Lebanon
Iran's rich, influential religious singers eclipse clerics As Iran's traditional eulogists grow in fame and influence, they have drawn criticism from the clerics who used to have the main voices in religious ceremonies. Iran
Small Lebanese craft brewers introduce big new tastes in beer Micro and craft breweries are paving the way for locally made Lebanese beer by working around the lack of traditional ingredients and doing what they can to avoid contributing to the Lebanon's persistent environmental problems. Lebanon
Does Egypt need museum to save film set props? After a fire destroyed many of the iconic props of Egyptian cinema, prop master Abbas Saber appeals to Cairo to help put what remains in a museum. Egypt
Museum to showcase bewildering history of Palestinian money A new money museum in Ramallah will display all the 28 different currencies Palestine has used over the ages. Palestine
Idlib museum throws open doors in defiance of threats The Idlib museum, whose collections rival those in Aleppo and Damascus, reopened last month, despite having lost an unknown number of its treasures to looters. Syria
Egypt's large secondhand book market delivers bargains, rare gems In Egypt, book prices have doubled or tripled in the last few years, driving people to secondhand book stalls in Soor al-Azbakeya. Egypt
'Lived here' initiative spotlights homes of Egypt's most famous residents In an effort to introduce Egypt's famous figures to the next generation, 100 signs now mark where celebrated Egyptians like Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz or diva Umm Kulthum once lived. Egypt
Newspaper keeps Italian heritage in Tunisia alive Tunisia once hosted a significant Italian population, including the Finzi family, which founded Il Corriere di Tunisi, an Italian-language newspaper currently being kept afloat almost single-handedly by Silvia Finzi, an adamant defender of tolerance and multiculturalism. Tunisia
Gazoz, Turkey's eclectic national drink, recaptures its old fizz Gazoz, a light, fizzy and delicious drink that symbolized the recklessness of Turkish youth in the post-World War II era, is making a comeback. Turkey
