Turkey: $30M credit card scam hits tourists in coastal resort, 20 arrested The alleged ringleader, a hotel owner identified as "H.O.," stole the money by sharing credit card details of tourists checking into the property. Turkey
Mideast airlines to deliver industry’s highest profit margins in 2025 The region's airlines are forecast to hit a profit margin of 8.7% in 2025, slightly lower than last year's figure of 8.9% but the highest in the industry. Saudi Arabia
Saudi airline to resume Hajj flights to Iran after 10-year hiatus: What to know A Saudi-operated flight landed in Tehran last weekend as Iran and Saudi Arabia seek to expand their air connectivity. Iran
Citing lack of security, UAE billionaire abandons Lebanon investments Emirati businessman had previously said he received threats leading to the cancellation of a planned TV channel launch in Lebanon in 2024 Lebanon
Sri Lanka arrests 3 men in plot to attack Israeli-run Jewish center: What we know By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
What the Gulf states new unified visa means for Saudi, UAE, other citizens The new Schengen-like visa — allowing seamless travel between members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will be introduced during 2024-25. Legacy: Gulf
In a first, Israeli minister arrives in Saudi Arabia as envoy visits West Bank Tourism Minister Haim Katz is the first Israeli minister to lead a delegation for an official United Nations event in Saudi Arabia. Israel
Analysis Saudi Arabia hosts first UNESCO session amid massive tourism drive Recognition of more sites by the global heritage organization may help the kingdom reach its goals of more jobs and revenue from tourism. By Salim A. Essaid
Israel to include Gaza Americans in US visa waiver trial After agreeing to facilitate the passage of American-Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel has agreed to similar conditions for those residing in Gaza. Israel
UAE passport ranks among world's 'most powerful,' Iraq, Syria at bottom of list The 2023 Henley Passport Index features the world’s most powerful passports based on the number of destinations passport holders can access visa-free. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia outranks US for expat life, Kuwait ranks worst Saudi Arabia was found to be the 28th best country to live in as an expatriate while the United States ranked 30th, according to a Tuesday report. Saudi Arabia
3 British tourists killed in boat fire off Egypt’s Red Sea coast The fire comes days after a Russian tourist was killed during a shark attack in the Red Sea, a popular destination for European tourists. Egypt
UK introduces $13 online visas for GCC, Jordanian nationals Gulf nationals previously paid £30 ($37.63) per visit to the UK, while Jordanians paid £100 ($125.42) for a visit visa. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt charges tourist ships in dollars as greenback crisis spirals Egypt commits tourist boats arriving in its ports to pay in US dollars amid a tough dollar shortage crisis in the populous country. Egypt
Signaling Iran, Israel's FM visits Azerbaijan, will open embassy in Turkmenistan Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen is holding meetings in Azerbaijan before traveling to Turkmenistan, where he will inaugurate Israel’s embassy. Israel
Saudi Arabia sees 'steep decline' in demand for large houses The kingdom's growing younger population is seeking to move out of their family homes earlier to seek jobs elsewhere in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Tunis, Istanbul top Middle East city rankings for 'mindful travelers' Nine cities from the broader Middle East and North Africa region, including four in Turkey, made it into a ranking of the world's top cities for “mindful travelers." Turkey
