Turkey: $30M credit card scam hits tourists in coastal resort, 20 arrested The alleged ringleader, a hotel owner identified as "H.O.," stole the money by sharing credit card details of tourists checking into the property. Turkey
Mideast airlines to deliver industry’s highest profit margins in 2025 The region's airlines are forecast to hit a profit margin of 8.7% in 2025, slightly lower than last year's figure of 8.9% but the highest in the industry. Saudi Arabia
Saudi airline to resume Hajj flights to Iran after 10-year hiatus: What to know A Saudi-operated flight landed in Tehran last weekend as Iran and Saudi Arabia seek to expand their air connectivity. Iran
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
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
Pandemic no longer Israeli tourism's top problem The Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as China maintaining strict COVID-related travel regulations, could present obstacles to a tourism recovery in Israel. Israel
First underwater fashion show in Egypt Egyptian fashion designer Amany Yehia held her first underwater photo shoot, the first of its kind in Egypt. Culture
Saudi Arabia resumes visa on arrival for US, EU visa holders The kingdom greatly relaxed its visa rules before the pandemic in an effort to boost tourism. Saudi Arabia
Sharjah Emirate opens largest safari park outside Africa Sharjah Safari in the United Arab Emirates is considered the largest safari park outside Africa and is expected to draw more tourism to the Emirate of Sharjah. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish tourism sector scrambles to minimize fallout of Ukraine war Bracing for a big loss of Russian and Ukrainian holidaymakers this summer, Turkey’s tourism industry is looking for replacements in Europe and the Middle East. But few are hopeful that the gap can be closed. Turkey
Israel, Egypt launch new flight route ahead of Passover Following up on the September meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Jerusalem and Cairo announced the opening of a flight route between Tel Aviv and Sharm el-Sheikh. Israel
Five Pharaonic wells uncovered in Sinai The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently announced the discovery of five water wells, a storehouse and a copper smelting workshop dating back to the Pharaonic era in the Tel el-Kidwa area, north of Sinai. Egypt
Egypt extends stay of stranded Ukrainian, Russian tourists Ukrainian tourists stuck in Egypt talk to Al-Monitor about the pain they feel to watch their loved ones and families suffering back home as a result of the Russian war. Egypt
How Ukraine crisis undermines Turkey's economic program Ankara’s economic program has hit a deadlock under the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a stream of fuel hikes, canceled tourism bookings and textile orders, and shortage fears in the food sector. Turkey
Ukrainians in Egypt share dreadful moments of Russian invasion Ukrainians in Egypt are doing what they can to help or support their families back in Ukraine. Egypt
Turkey drops mask rules as it heads for normality ahead of tourist season Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announces a return to normal life after two years of COVID-19 measures, but medical association warns it may be too early. Turkey
Analysis Israel hopes to triple trade with Morocco Israel and Morocco have signed a trade and investment cooperation agreement, with Israel aspiring to enlarge its annual trade volume with Morocco from $131 million to $500 million. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
