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
Egypt charges tourist ships in dollars as greenback crisis spirals Egypt commits tourist boats arriving in its ports to pay in US dollars amid a tough dollar shortage crisis in the populous country. Egypt
Signaling Iran, Israel's FM visits Azerbaijan, will open embassy in Turkmenistan Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen is holding meetings in Azerbaijan before traveling to Turkmenistan, where he will inaugurate Israel’s embassy. Israel
Saudi Arabia sees 'steep decline' in demand for large houses The kingdom's growing younger population is seeking to move out of their family homes earlier to seek jobs elsewhere in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Tunis, Istanbul top Middle East city rankings for 'mindful travelers' Nine cities from the broader Middle East and North Africa region, including four in Turkey, made it into a ranking of the world's top cities for “mindful travelers." Turkey
Barcelona ends twin city agreement with Tel Aviv, citing Israeli 'apartheid' Barcelona’s Mayor Ada Colau said that thousands of residents in her city signed a petition to sever ties with Tel Aviv so as to pressure Israel on Palestinian human rights. Israel
Istanbul taxi problem pits Gulf tourists against Turkey's locals Turkish people have long blamed Arab tourists’ generous tips for the city’s cab shortage, but this may not be the case anymore. Turkey
Israeli Circassian village lands among UN's top tourism picks Israel's Circassian village of Kfar Kama is featured in this year's "Best Tourism Villages," a project of the UN World Tourism Organizaiton. Israel
Israel's Jews flock to Arab towns for Christmas Many Arab towns and villages, not necessarily Christian, are now featuring Christmas markets, targeting also Israeli Jewish tourists. Israel
Cafes, hotels in Dubai raise prices during World Cup Thousands of Dubai restaurants and hotels are hosting the thousands of World Cup soccer fans who are using the emirate as a base. Legacy: Gulf
Abraham Accords, World Cup drive increase in Israeli air traffic Ongoing rapprochement and the World Cup tournament currently underway in Qatar have driven a significant increase in air traffic to the region via Israel. Israel
Egypt hopes Colombian superstar's song will draw tourists Colombian superstar Karol G released a new song, “Cairo,” and filmed its music video at some of the most prominent touristic and archaeological sites in Egypt, including the Pyramids. Egypt
Archaeologists in Egypt discover tunnel that may lead to Cleopatra’s tomb The archaeological mission uncovered an ancient tunnel that may lead to Cleopatra’s tomb. Egypt
