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
Turkey: Death toll from ski resort blaze rises to 79 As officials continue to play the blame game, the number of people detained as part of the investigation into the disaster has increased to 11. Turkey
Turkey declares national day of mourning after ski resort fire kills at least 76 The blaze struck a popular ski resort hotel, leaving dozens dead. Turkey
Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
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
Analysis Can Saudi Arabia afford giga-projects with oil prices under $75 per barrel? By Jennifer Gnana , Samuel Wendel
Can Istanbul's mayor forge tourism as a tool for democracy? Tourism is providing a test case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s advocacy of “local participatory democracy," prompting a struggle with the government in Ankara over prominent landmarks in his city. Turkey
Is tourism the antidote to youth unemployment in Oman? Omani officials aim to create over 500,000 jobs in the tourism sector by 2040. Gulf
Intel: What’s behind Israel’s latest decision to allow travel to Saudi Arabia Israeli citizens are now allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia for the first time in the country’s history. Saudi Arabia
Archaeology clashes with development in Turkey's ancient city of Sagalassos Excavated since 1990 by Belgian and Turkish archaeologists, Sagalassos offers not only a visit through majestic Roman monuments but also a glimpse on how people lived, worked, worshipped and died in the past. Turkey
Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, pristine snow beckons winter tourists Cappadocia offers intrepid tourists and art lovers alike plenty to do and see during the winter months. Turkey
Saudi and Israeli tourism campaigns offer stark contrast in transparency Public relations firms working to promote travel to foreign countries are all over the map when it comes to lobbying and PR disclosures. Saudi Arabia
Are silk and saffron the future of this Anatolian town? The first female mayor of Safranbolu, a town dating to the 11th century, is eager to put her UNESCO-protected city on Turkey's tourism map. Turkey
Art, urban planning rejuvenates Central Anatolian city Eskisehir combines restored Ottoman-era homes with new and hip museums, bars and galleries, attracting people from all over Turkey. Turkey
New tourism: learning about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict An alternative tourism market, which offers tourists a chance to join Palestinians in an olive harvest or tour a refugee camp, has developed in Israel, so that tourists can experience the complex reality of this land. Palestine
Egypt calls Luxor coffins 'greatest discovery of century' The 30 uniquely well preserved coffins recently found in Egypt's southern city of Luxor are a godsend to Egyptian tourism. Egypt
Will Thomas Cook's collapse have long-term impact on Egypt's tourism sector? Egypt's tourist industry was just getting back on its feet when Thomas Cook collapsed, producing more uncertainty in the sector. Egypt
New Turkish hotel combines modern architecture, Roman mosaics Ancient Antiochian mosaics and ruins are securely housed and on display inside a luxury hotel-museum in Antakya. Turkey
