Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region. Iran
Gulf AI deals continues to lure investors despite US-Iran war Blackstone committed $250 million to a payment infrastructure platform in Abu Dhabi as the US investment firm's president lauded the UAE's strong investment credentials despite the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Australia clamps down on Iranian visa holders as war fears rise: What to know The move could affect over 7,000 Iranians who currently hold visitors visas but who have not yet arrived in Australia. Iran
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Israel hopes to triple trade with Morocco Israel and Morocco have signed a trade and investment cooperation agreement, with Israel aspiring to enlarge its annual trade volume with Morocco from $131 million to $500 million. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Emirati budget airline Air Arabia reports record profits after loss in 2020 The Sharjah-based carrier said profits went up due to relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Direct Iran-Venezuela flights to begin next month A Venezuelan official said the South American country wants to attract Iranian tourists. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
More Russians visiting Dubai The number of tourists from Russia who vacationed in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city rose significantly in 2021. News Brief
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. News Brief
Women-led tourism initiatives are changing the way Egypt is seen, experienced More women are gradually breaking into Egypt’s tourism sector and launching their own projects, often promoting along the way a new type of experience to visitors. Egypt
Two dead after truck plunges into Nile River in Egypt The incident near Cairo was the latest transportation-related tragedy in Egypt. News Brief
Israel campaigns for inclusion in US visa waiver program Israel is willing to enable Palestinian Americans to transit its territory on the way to the West Bank, in order to allow its citizens to travel to the US without obtaining a visa in advance. Israel
Israel rolls back foreign travel curbs, but US tourists remain barred Beginning Jan. 9, foreign travelers from nearly 200 countries deemed medium risk can travel to Israel. Israel
Will Egypt manage to bring home all smuggled artifacts? As part of their continuous efforts to retrieve Egypt's stolen, prized antiquities, Egyptian authorities announced on Dec. 20 the recovery of 36 artifacts that had been smuggled to Madrid. Culture
Lebanon campaigns to revive tourism amid economic crisis Several campaigns such as the "Give Lebanon a Break" one launched by the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar sparked widespread criticism from the Lebanese, who believe it has nothing to do with their reality and the economic collapse of the country. Lebanon
