Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid airport sets record with 3.9M passengers in July Air travel is a part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, though challenges remain in attracting tourists and catching up to other Gulf airports. Saudi Arabia
Mideast airlines see 0.4% dip amid Iran, Gaza wars, as global demand up 2.6% Conflict-related airspace closures and regional tensions disrupted airlines based in the Middle East. Iran
Wildfires spread across Turkey’s tourism hub Izmir amid regionwide heat wave Wildfires rage in Turkey’s tourist heartland, forcing airport closures and evacuations amid fierce winds. Turkey
From Lebanon to Qatar, Israel-Iran war disrupts flights, airport traffic: What to know Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines canceled all flights to Iraq through Thursday as the ongoing Israel-Iran war forces widespread disruptions across Middle East aviation. 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
Documentaries explore Cairo’s old neighborhoods, alleyways An Egyptian archaeologist has launched an initiative to shed light on Cairo’s heritage by filming short documentaries about the various alleys and streets in the capital. Culture
Turkish vaccinated tourism video provokes anger Foreign tourists are exempt from Turkey's coronavirus lockdown, and hospitality workers were given priority in receiving the vaccine. Turkey
Egypt, Russia agree to resume flights to Red Sea resorts Russia suspended flights to Egypt in 2015 after the Islamic State brought down a Russian airline over the Sinai peninsula. News Brief
Turkey’s tourism sector fears another disastrous year Apprehension is growing in Turkey that its tourism sector, a vital hard-currency earner, might fail to recuperate in 2021 amid a new peak in the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
Erdogan is MENA’s most popular leader, Arab Barometer finds Turkey's promotion of cultural heritage, including through its tourism and entertainment sectors, is one reason for Erdogan's popularity. However, the perception of the Ottoman legacy is gradually shifting from one of praise to one of condemnation toward Turkish policies. News Brief
Dubai restaurants to stop screening dining areas during Ramadan fast Restaurants in the UAE's largest city previously had to screen off places where people ate during fasting hours during the Islamic holy month, as is customary throughout the region. United Arab Emirates
Ancient South Sinai city of Saint Catherine to get facelift Egypt has begun implementing the first phase of a project to develop the city of Saint Catherine in South Sinai and promote tourism in the area. Egypt
