Middle East

Travel News

Cyprus: Urgent warning for tourists about new mask rules

The country's health minister says that a spike in hospital admissions and people not taking proper precautions contributed to the decision.

08/07/2022

Turkey

Turkish healthcare workers go on strike after cardiologist shot dead

Doctors and nurses have called for better working conditions to protect them from violence.

07/07/2022

Creators

I design otherworldly costumes for Istanbul’s queens and performers

Enter the world of Eda Birthing, the costume designer dressing Istanbul’s drag queens and performers

07/07/2022

Turkey

Turkish police break up LGBTQ+ Pride march in Ankara, detain 30 people

Authorities in the Mediterranean country have banned all domestic LGBTQ+ events, citing "security reasons".

05/07/2022

Travel News

Hole in airborne Emirates plane ‘1 in a million’ says aviation expert

Passengers were shocked to see the damage when they disembarked at Brisbane last week.

05/07/2022

No Comment

Oiled up fighters clash in 661st Turkish wrestling championship

The olive oil that covers their bodies from head to toe makes it impossible to get a grip, leading to one of the sport's trademark moves where one opponent thrusts his hands into the other's trousers for an advantage.

05/07/2022

Scenes

Meet the teenagers making upcycling fashionable in Qatar

In partnership with Media City

"Fast fashion is a concept that moves really quickly and people don't really realise how much of a carbon footprint they're leaving behind."

04/07/2022

Egypt

Two European tourists killed in shark attacks off Egyptian coast

A Romanian and an Austrian tourist have died after separate shark attacks off the Egyptian coast in three days, prompting the authorities to close off a stretch of its coastline.

04/07/2022

Destinations

How Türkiye is moving towards a more sustainable future

New hotels and sustainable government policy are forging a more eco-friendly future for tourism in Turkey – but the country has a long way to go.

04/07/2022

Syria

Iranian foreign minister opposes "any military action" in Syria

Iran's foreign minister vows on a visit to Damascus "to prevent any military operation from happening," after Turkey threatened to launch a new offensive on Kurds in the country's north. "We oppose any military action under any justification in Syria," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tells the press.

03/07/2022

Israel

Israel shoots down Hezbollah drones aimed at gas platform

Three unmanned aircraft launched by the Lebanese militant group were heading towards an area where an Israeli gas platform was recently installed in the Mediterranean Sea.

03/07/2022

Israel

Yair Lapid becomes Israel's interim PM ahead of November election

Polls suggest the centrist leader will face a difficult battle against ex-leader Benjamin Netanyahu, the divisive figure at the heart of the prolonged political crisis.

01/07/2022

Partner content

Dubai is looking to become one of the smartest cities in the world

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

Robots are fast becoming a part of our daily lives and Dubai is using its position as a future-thinking city, driven by technology, to become one of the smartest cities in the world.

30/06/2022

Partner content

Inside Dubai’s booming food scene

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

From fine dining to affordable food, Dubai has become a magnet for foodies. With some of the emirate’s award-winning chefs celebrating their first Michelin stars, City Scenes samples some of the dishes elevating Dubai’s culinary reputation.

29/06/2022

Qatar 365

Qatar’s most adrenaline-charged adventures

In partnership with Media City

From Kayaking through mangroves to indoor snow dunes, Qatar 365 takes a look at what Qatar has to offer for those seeking adventure in the extreme heat.

29/06/2022

Turkey

Turkey demands Sweden, Finland extradite 'terrorists' after NATO deal

The country is asking the NATO hopefuls to hand over some 33 people sought on terrorism charges, Turkish justice minister said on Wednesday.

29/06/2022

Europe Decoded

Turkey is now Türkiye: What other countries have changed their name?

Throughout history, many countries have chosen to re-baptise themselves, but not every new name has stuck.

28/06/2022

Tech News

This Egyptian teen is building a metaverse using his mum’s old clothes

Omar Wael’s fascination with tech began aged just five, having built his first robot aged nine. Now he has his mind set on creating a metaverse.

28/06/2022

Turkey

Dozens arrested as police break up Istanbul Pride march

The governor of Turkey's largest city banned all outdoor and indoor events for a seven-day period in the lead-up to the Pride march, citing "security reasons".

26/06/2022

Spotlight

Abu Dhabi to launch TeamLab Phenomena on Saadiyat Island

In partnership with Abu Dhabi DCT

The latest addition to Saadiyat Cultural District in the UAE capital is an immersive, multi-sensory venue called teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Developed in conjunction with the Japanese art collective teamLab, the experimental, interactive 17,000 square metre space will be completed in 2024.

24/06/2022

No Comment

Gaza surfers ride the waves in 'first' Palestinian event

Their surfboards may be old, but that doesn't stop these young Gazans from riding the waves.

23/06/2022

No Comment

Israel uncovers rare early mosque in Negev

Workers from Israel's Antiquities Authority excavate a rare ancient mosque in the Bedouin town of Rahat, in the country's southern Negev desert, that officials say sheds light on the region's transition from Christianity to Islam.

23/06/2022

Destinations

Syrian monastery on the edge of a cliff opens its doors for tourists

A lone Syrian monastery that was once a hub for interfaith dialogue has reopened to visitors after more than a decade of war.

22/06/2022

Destinations

Can Lebanon's travel sector make a roaring comeback this summer?

Lebanon is anticipating hundreds of thousands of ex-pats and tourists to visit the country this summer. Their imminent arrival will bring a much-needed cash injection to a country previously tormented by an economic and financial crisis.

22/06/2022

The Exchange

Could a robot do your job?

In partnership with Media City

Machine automation has been rising rapidly since the 1960s. And now the push toward robotization is getting stronger.

22/06/2022

Turkey

Saudi crown prince visits Turkey for first time since Khashoggi murder

Talks between Mohammed bin Salman and President Erdogan are aimed at normalising ties between Ankara and Riyadh, which were strained after the journalist's killing.

22/06/2022