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
Egypt upgrades Giza Plateau to attract tourists back to Pyramids The Egyptian authorities are advancing their plans to develop the Giza Plateau, where the Pyramids are located, as part of efforts to boost tourism. Egypt
Turkey’s 'healthy tourism' efforts tested as foreign tourists trickle in Some 40,000 Russian holidaymakers have thrown a life jacket to Turkey’s main touristic hub of Antalya, while other coastal areas count on locals to keep afloat. Turkey
Coronavirus not stopping flow of Israeli tourists to Turkey Even before the coronavirus pandemic there was a significant increase in the number of Israelis visiting Turkey, and it seems that the trend continues despite the virus outbreak. Originals
How Tunisia's impoverished southeast remained COVID-19 free While the isolation and lack of resources may have played a part in keeping cases of the coronavirus from appearing, they've also kept the region's economy in a state of crisis. Originals
Jordan gearing up to reopen kingdom to tourism The government is hoping to reopen the country for medical tourism amidst growing fears of a second wave and skepticism about the health protocols that will be adopted. Jordan
Britain extends lifeline to Turkish tourism by lifting quarantine rule Turkey hopes visitors from the United Kingdom will help offset the deep losses its coronavirus-hit tourism industry is expected to suffer this summer season and is pushing the European Union to reconsider its "safe list" that excluded the Mediterranean destination. Turkey
Dubai welcomes back tourists The Emirati city wants visitors to come back as the country emerges from its coronavirus closures. Originals
Did Egypt move too fast to receive tourists in light of COVID-19? Egypt received tourists from Ukraine as the country resumed tourism and airports opened up amid strict precautionary and preventive measures. Egypt
Egypt resumes international flights, reopens pyramids for summer tourism More than three months after Egypt closed its major tourist attractions, two flights from Ukraine arrive in Red Sea and South Sinai governorates. Egypt
Israel, Greek prime ministers showcase bilateral alliance The visit in Israel of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects a growing convergence of interests between the two countries. Israel
Egypt to gradually resume international flights Foreign tourists will also be allowed to travel to three coastal provinces as airports reopen to international travel beginning July 1. Egypt
Egypt to allow foreign tourists at select resorts Egypt will open resorts in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea to foreign travelers in July in an effort to boost tourism during the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
