Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Istanbul residents opt for New Year's celebrations on water Due to rising prices and security and sexual harassment concerns, a growing number of middle-class Turks will ring in the new year on the Bosporus. Turkey
Theater returns to Idlib A group of actors has formed the Syrian Troupe for Theatrical Arts and performed recently for the children in Idlib. Syria
Why this viral shot will not be Egypt's photo of the year A Danish photographer captured the view from the Giza pyramid with a photo that went viral all around the world — but Egyptians were far from pleased. Egypt
Egypt's tiny Jewish community celebrates state action to protect heritage Egypt has long promised to preserve the country's Jewish heritage, but only now have concrete steps materialized. Egypt
Female-only ride-hailing app to compete with Uber, Careem in Cairo Fyonka, Egypt's first all-female ride hailing service, is providing money-earning opportunities and transport for women. Egypt
Creating hipster culture in an old tobacco factory in Sulaimaniyah Sulaimaniyah's defunct tobacco factory celebrates its second year as an arts and culture center. Iraq
Christmas without Christians in IS-liberated Mosul Mosul's second Christmas after its liberation from the Islamic State is a far cry from its past celebrations — the few churches that have been repaired remain empty. Iraq
Yemenis in Egypt face another kind of hell Yemenis who fled the war in their country thought Egypt would be their safe haven, only to be faced with harassment and injustice once there. Yemen
Netanyahu’s policy drives away young American Jews The strategy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bank on President Donald Trump keeps alienating many American Jews. Israel
Will Lebanon’s support of UN compacts benefit Syrian refugees? Lebanon has voted in favor of two UN resolutions that improve the treatment of refugees and migrants, but the displaced Syrians in the country may not benefit, as they are not classified as refugees or even migrants. Jordan
Can St. John’s bread feed St. Paul’s hometown? Tourism managers from Tarsus, known for being St. Paul’s hometown, wonder whether they can boost tourism further through gastronomic delights — including St. John’s bread, also known as carob. Turkey
Iraqi artist preserves Iraqi heritage in 3D exhibition An Iraqi engineer leads his own mission to preserve Iraq's heritage in 3D reconstructions. Iraq
