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
Iran to lift visa restrictions to revive pandemic-hit tourism sector Iran’s new tourism chief said the government will soon scrap visa restrictions, a plan that the struggling tourism sector has been desperately waiting for to get back on its feet amid the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Egypt promotes medical tourism within Africa A cross-agency recruitment campaign seeks to encourage citizens of other countries to visit Egypt for treatment Egypt
Bahrain's Gulf Air to start flights to Israel The airline previously said it would begin flights to Tel Aviv in June. Bahrain's new ambassador to Israel wants Israeli tourists to visit. Gulf
Controversial Egyptian slum removal mars Giza Plateau upgrade The Nazlet al-Saman slum blemished the Giza Plateau for many decades, but its ongoing removal is bringing criticism of the government. Egypt
Egypt to announce opening of world’s largest open museum in Luxor governorate As part of Egypt’s efforts to boost tourism, the Ministry of Antiquities bets on the restoration of El-Kebash Road in Luxor, which is one of the biggest open-air archaeological sites in the world. Culture
Turkey’s record growth rate belies murky economic prospects Eager to woo back disgruntled voters, Erdogan appears bent on stimulating economic growth at the risk of stoking Turkey’s currency troubles. Turkey
Egypt to make oldest Islamic capital in Africa into open museum Egypt is planning to turn the city of Fustat, the oldest Islamic capital in Egypt and Africa, into an open museum that offers tourists a distinctive experience. Egypt
Gaza creates tourism police force The Interior Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip is establishing a police force to protect tourist and hotel facilities after threats and attacks against some of those facilities by militants against the backdrop of holding mixed-gender concerts. Palestine
Egypt promotes yacht tourism after dip from COVID-pandemic Egypt is promoting yacht tourism due to the economic returns it brings to the state, as the Delta variant picks up. Culture
Russian observers set up at Egypt's airports Russia officially resumed flights to Egyptian resorts after a six-year hiatus, sparking controversy amid accusations that the government ceded too much authority to Moscow. Egypt
Domestic tourism thrives in Gaza Local travel companies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, are organizing trips for Gazans to discover the many hidden archaeological sites spread across the besieged enclave. Palestine
Wildfires deliver blow to tourism in Turkey Ankara has announced that all but two wildfires are under control and is busily reassuring tourists it's safe to return. Turkey
