UAE becomes first Mideast country with one of world's strongest passports Emirati citizens have access to 184 destinations without a visa or with a visa on arrival. United Arab Emirates
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Culture Miss Lebanon 2025 crowned in ceremony highlighting culture, heritage Lebanon crowned Perla Harb as the country’s new beauty queen in a grand ceremony highlighting Lebanese culture. Lebanon
Culture Damascus hotel to get revamp in Syria-Saudi partnership: What we know The rebranding and rehabilitation of the Seven Gates Hotel comes as part of an agreement between the Syrian government and the Saudi-owned Le Park Concord hospitality group. Syria
Domestic tourism thrives in Gaza Local travel companies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, are organizing trips for Gazans to discover the many hidden archaeological sites spread across the besieged enclave. Palestine
Wildfires deliver blow to tourism in Turkey Ankara has announced that all but two wildfires are under control and is busily reassuring tourists it's safe to return. Turkey
Saudi Arabia to require vaccination proof for foreign tourists Saudi Arabia has imposed some particularly strict travel measures recently amid regional concerns about coronavirus variants. Saudi Arabia
Secular Turks mock government’s appropriation of care-free lifestyles in Istanbul promo video The negative responses highlight what secular members of Turkish society perceive as the government’s interference in their lifestyle choices. Turkey
Turkey’s COVID-19 cases surge as restrictions relaxed during Eid As holiday-makers flock to Turkey’s coastal areas and cast aside masks and social distancing, a surge in COVID-19 figures fans worries in the health sector of a fourth coronavirus wave, possibly as early as August. Turkey
Saudi Arabia’s race for Gulf economic leadership takes to the sky The kingdom diversification plan goes head-to-head with flag carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways, as intra-Gulf economic rivalries heat up on all fronts. Legacy: Gulf
Jordan prices entice Israeli vacationers High prices in Israeli hotels might drive locals to prefer trips to Jordan or Egypt as international travel cautiously resumes. Israel
Israel records highest daily coronavirus cases in three months The number of COVID-19 infections in Israel, which includes those of the delta variant, is still relatively low in the country. News Brief
Saudi Arabia plans second national airline in tourism push The additional airline would help position the Gulf state as a global logistics hub, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said. Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi offers tourists free coronavirus vaccines The capital of the United Arab Emirates is also set to remove quarantine requirements on travelers from certain countries deemed low-risk. United Arab Emirates
Emirates loses more than $5 billion in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic has led to job cuts and a massive cash injection from the government. News Brief
Iran and Russia sign visa waiver agreement The deal focuses on making it easier for large tourist groups to travel to Iran and Russia. News Brief
