Over 200 hospitalized in Tunisia’s Gabes as anger over pollution crisis grows President Kais Saied is facing one of his biggest challenges yet as demands for the closure of the city’s phosphate processing plant increase. Tunisia
Drought-stricken Iraq sends delegation to Turkey to discuss water cooperation Turkey recently agreed to release more water to Iraq amid the drought in the country, indicating improving coordination on resource management after years of tensions over Turkish dams. Iraq
Wildfires ravage Syria’s Latakia for 4th day in row: What to know A Syrian official recently said that 2025 has been the driest year in decades, as wildfires persist along the coast, and the response is being hindered by the effects of the war. Syria
Egypt’s Sisi talks water security with Rwanda's president in wake of Ethiopia’s megadam debut Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Cairo to discuss coordination efforts and developments in the Nile Basin region following Ethiopia’s inauguration of its controversial dam. Egypt
Entire UAE, Qatar, Bahrain populations vulnerable to extreme heat, study says The UAE is particularly vulnerable, with more than 80% of its population exposed to extreme heat even after a 1.5 C (34.7 F) rise in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels. Qatar
In UAE, Brazil’s Lula looks east for climate investments, peace brokering President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva looks to exert Brazil's power in a geopolitical landscape that has significantly shifted since he last held office. Legacy: Gulf
Severe floods in Iraq leave several dead, adding to climate strains Iraq is contending with both heavy rains and increasing desertification. Iraq
New World Bank grant to help Egypt manage Cairo's air pollution A 2022 report published by the American University of Cairo described Cairo's air quality as a "direct threat to public health.” Egypt
COP-28 head Sultan Al Jaber: UAE ‘running toward’ energy transition As the climate summit president continues to face criticism for his role as head of the UAE's state oil producer, Sultan Al Jaber argued that his position will serve more as an asset than an obstacle to energy transition. Legacy: Gulf
Clean air funding halved in Iran’s budget as pollution chokes much of country As much of Iran grapples with record levels of air pollution during the cold season each year, the government has halved the resources allocated to tackling the pressing issue despite an overall increase in the budget cap. Iran
Israel's rescue teams arrive in Turkey, will establish field hospital for earthquake victims Three Israeli rescue delegations are already on the ground, with more humanitarian aid expected in the coming days. Israel
Turkey plans to expand renewable energy but sticks to coal, nuclear Clean energy advocates say Turkey should speed up its shift to renewable sources not only out of environmental concerns, but also to reduce its costly reliance on imported energy. Turkey
OPEC Fund raises $1 billion via sustainability bond Gulf states in the organization are showing increasing interest in funding projects related to the environment, renewable energy and green technology. Legacy: Gulf
Oil pollution threatens Libyan oases The populated areas near the oil fields in northeast Libya are suffering from pollution resulting from oil-related operations, in the absence of any action from authorities. North Africa
Culture First Egyptian, Arab woman to go to space recounts her journey Sara Sabry, the first Egyptian, Arab and African woman to travel into space, told Al-Monitor about her trip, the dangers she felt and her future plans in this field. Egypt
Egypt reaps economic, political gains from COP27 Egypt has achieved several major deals as well as boosted its foreign policy by hosting COP27. Egypt
