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
‘I just want to be me’: Being transgender in Lebanon Despite the negativity surrounding the transgender community in Lebanon, social media influencer Gigi tries to use her online fame as a means to help other transgender individuals to express themselves. Lebanon
Uighur students in Egypt face arrest, deportation to China Cairo seems to be trying to please Beijing by continuing to arrest Uighur students in the country. Egypt
Abbas dissolves tribal affairs committee in Gaza Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has ordered the Higher Committee for Tribal Affairs in Gaza disbanded over ties to exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, but the group is committed to continuing its work. Palestine
Syrians fill language classes as Russian influence grows Syrian students, aware that Russian influence is in their country to stay, see learning Russian as a key to both higher education and employment. Syria
Why Egypt's construction boom creates ghost towns Egyptian leaders from Anwar to Sisi have attempted — and failed — to build lavish cities to relocate dense urban populations. Egypt
Are Egypt's star-studded festivals losing their shine? Egypt has been known for its star-studded festivals and concerts. Lately, however, many regional celebrities have been staying away. Egypt
Don't read too much into Turkey's gag order reversal, warn free press advocates Turkey’s highest court has struck down a reporting ban surrounding a 2013 corruption probe, but some human rights defenders warn the win for press freedom may prove minor. Turkey
Beirut photo festival offers analogue experience in digital age The Beirut Image Festival, in its first year, is providing a forum for young photographers raised on the digital imagery of social media to get a taste of the art of photography by exhibiting their works in venues alongside veteran photographers. Lebanon
GCC countries miss chance to grant women full citizenship rights The tensions polarizing the Gulf region could have triggered long-awaited citizenship reforms, but the right to automatically pass on nationality remains a male preserve. Saudi Arabia
Rich Ottoman recipes grace Istanbul tables A restaurant in Istanbul's historical district of Fatih has revived 500-year-old Ottoman recipes, including a special goose dish that help develop lasting relationships with regional farmers. Turkey
Israeli parties, election committee bracing against cyber attacks Israel's Central Election Committee has been meeting with Facebook and other social media executives to prepare as much as possible against last-minute cyber attacks and fake news as election day approaches. Israel
Iran in no hurry to allow women into stadiums after 'Blue Girl' death The suicide of an Iranian soccer fan has reignited the issue of allowing women into Iran's stadiums, but the administration is unlikely to work toward a solution anytime soon. Iran
