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
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
Egyptian clerics reach out to vacationing young people Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments is sending clerics to the North Coast, as videos of young people dancing on the beach there have recently surfaced. Egypt
Ramon Airport: Israel’s white elephant in the desert It’s been seven months since the festive inauguration of the Ramon Airport, which despite its hefty price tag, has failed to meet anyone's expectations. Israel
Lebanon's green turtles threatened by new resort The Orange House Project, an environmental NGO, has been trying to ensure that turtles reach the sea after their eggs are hatched, but its job gets more difficult every year. Lebanon
Golden Triangle to boost development, increase investments in Upper Egypt Egypt is preparing to launch work on the Golden Triangle project in Upper Egypt, with the aim to develop the region, boost the economy and create job opportunities. Originals
Iran grants additional visas to Iraqis to boost its economy In order to overcome US sanctions and boost its economy, Iran is increasing tourist visas to Iraqis. Iraq
Iran stops stamping passports To alleviate concerns that a visit to Iran might complicate foreigners being able to enter the United States at a later date, Iran reiterated that it will allow tourists to enter the country through its international airports without having their passports stamped. United States
Palestine aims to triple number of Russian tourists Palestinians aim to lure more Russian tourists by providing new tourism infrastructure, ecotourism and historic Orthodox churches. Palestine
Does Cairo need third airport? The Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that it will soon open an international airport in the new administrative capital east of Cairo, a move that was widely criticized. Egypt
Egypt to boost spiritual tourism through the Holy Family trail The Egyptian government plans to revive the Holy Family trail, connecting locations visited by Jesus, Mary and Joseph some 2,000 years ago while fleeing King Herod’s soldiers. Egypt
Sinai magic draws Israelis despite the terror threats For Israelis, the magic of the Sinai Peninsula, with its beautiful sand beaches and low prices, is strong enough for them to ignore official travel warnings. Egypt
