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
Lebanese artists voice social concerns Yasmine Hamdan, who, along with Mashrou' Leila, is known abroad as one of the most polıticized singers of Lebanon, says her music forms an archive of the changes and challenges that confront her country. Egypt
Egyptian proposal to protect formal Arabic has journalists worried Critics say a draft law intended to preserve traditional, formal Arabic and discourage the use of the modern Egyptian dialect threatens the freedom of the press. Egypt
Syria's Arab, Kurdish women join forces to fight for future Scores of Arab women are joining the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units in Syria as they see an opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of future generations of women. Syria
'Gaza Tourist' journeys through heritage and lives A young Palestinian hikes and bikes around Gaza to explore its cultural and historical heritage and landscape and share its beauty and traditions with others. Palestine
'Terrorist rehab' opens its doors in northern Syria An anti-radicalism center has opened its doors in northern Aleppo and is aimed at rehabilitating young people indoctrinated by extremist groups such as the Islamic State. Syria
Jordan continues olive exports to Israel despite objections Some Jordanians condemn the country's export of olives to Israel, saying it hurts the local economy while helping Israel. Jordan
Culture Alert: November the month for contemporary art, photography Several major art events are entering their final weeks and months in the region. Egypt
Egypt’s pardoned prisoners still shackled The Detained Youth Committee for Presidential Pardon has launched an initiative to examine reintegrating and rehabilitating pardoned prisoners to address the difficulties they face after their release. Egypt
Can this marathon help Palestinian cause? Several years into its launch, the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem received recognition from the International Association of Athletics Federations in yet another sporting achievement that conveys to the world that Palestine is capable of organizing such events despite the occupation obstacles. Palestine
Traditional meets modern in Israel's ultra-Orthodox art A new art gallery in the heart of an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Jerusalem reflects the sector's changing attitude toward art. Israel
Palestinian youth find outlet in new skate park A British charity helped build a skate park in the West Bank village of Jayyous, where Palestinian boys and girls can find an escape from their situation through skateboarding. Palestine
Sanaa’s green spaces ravaged by war Yemen has lost a lot of its trees, shrubs and flowers since the beginning of the war in 2015, in what could make matters worse for Yemenis haunted by the specter of starvation. Yemen
