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
Sisi launches academy to train Egypt's next generation of politicians Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has established a national academy aimed at training young people to enter political life, but some are questioning the real intention. Egypt
How Israeli settlers turn archaeological sites into political tools In Jerusalem and across the West Bank, settlers exploit archaeological sites as ideological-political tools. Palestine
Child labor soars in Syria's liberated areas The Syrian war has left many children as the sole breadwinners for their families, pushing them to work at difficult and often dangerous jobs with long hours and little pay. Syria
Egypt aims to amend rules for revoking citizenship The government has approved a proposal to amend Egypt's nationality law, but some fear the amendments might be targeting the regime's opponents. Egypt
Popular board game in Palestine gets e-makeover A group of Palestinian programmers transform their childhood game from board to screen to save it from disappearing. Palestine
Gaza's beloved gold market glitters with history Gaza’s historic gold market Suq al-Qaysariyya remains an essential stop for brides-to-be, but fewer Gazans can afford its treasures every day. Palestine
Palestinians show off their grapes The Palestinian agriculture sector aims to improve its grape production and promote it through festivals. Palestine
Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened. Israel
Refugee caterers bring taste of Syria to Cairo A group of Syrian women refugees have opened a catering service in Cairo to make ends meet, and Egyptians are relishing their efforts. Egypt
Two dozen of Egypt's Nubians arrested for protesting, face hearing Nubians continue to be arrested at peaceful protests as they demand the right to return to their historical region in Egypt, further shedding light on the marginalization they suffer from the regime. Egypt
Saudi driving decree first step in needed changes The royal decree allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the country is facing increasing international pressure, especially over its war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian doctors moonlight as chefs A new restaurant created by Egyptian doctors is decorated like an emergency room and serves liver dishes cooked with surgical precision. Egypt
