Middle East Experience

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi says “The Choice” tells the truth about his rise. Critics say it’s a rewriting of recent history from an industry increasingly cowed under his rule..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: In Egypt’s Big Ramadan TV Drama, the President Is the Hero

MK Eli Avidar stressed that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett could count on him more than his own MKs in Yamina.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Rebel MK Eli Avidar pledges loyalty to Bennett's coalition - interview

An international study of echinoids can change the way we understand the evolution of many species.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Study shows sea urchins existed far longer than originally thought

The reform, which will go into effect on July 31, was approved by Minister Yoaz Hendel after a round of consultations in the Communications Ministry.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Hendel announces reform of ultra-Orthodox kosher phones market

Denmark summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian spy plane violated its airspace, Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said on Sunday, a day after Sweden announced a similar violation.“The Russian ambassador is summoned to the foreign ministry tomorrow,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted on Sunday, announcing a “new Russian violation of Danish airspace”.The Russian plane entered Danish airspace on Friday east of the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm before flying into Sweden’s airspace, the Danish government said.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Sweden’s defense officials announced the violation on Saturday.“This is completely unacceptable and extremely worrying in the current situation,” Kofod said, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the tensions between Moscow and the NATO, of which Denmark is a member country.The minister told Danish news agency Ritzau: “We are in a special situation across the whole of Europe. That is why, of course, it is really serious when we see Russia violating our airspace. Therefore, we have called in the Ambassador so that we can make that view clear to Russia.”Read more:Russian spy plane violates Swedish air space
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Denmark summons Russian ambassador after spy plane violates Danish airspace

People in Saudi Arabia celebrated the beginning of the Eid al-Fitr holiday across the Kingdom on Monday with prayers, gatherings, and traditional music and dance.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The festivities marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan and its dawn-to-dusk fasting.Schools and workers were given time off for the celebrations, with most students and employees enjoying a full week’s holiday.RiyadhIn the capital city, the region’s governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar performed a prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.A sermon was led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, who praised God for the stability of the country, noting the hardships experienced by Muslims due to the COVID-19 pandemic.MedinaWorshippers from all over the world visited the Prophet’s Mosque, Islam’s second-holiest site, for the Eid prayer.Pilgrims were fed dates, sweets, and coffee, marking an end to the monthlong period of fasting.The city’s governor Prince Faisal bin Salman welcomed various tribe leaders, senior civil and military officials, and a group of citizens of Medina who greeted him and extended their warm wishes.MeccaEid prayers were held in Mecca’s Grand Mosque at full capacity for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman performed prayers at Islam’s holiest site.Eastern RegionPrince Saud bin Nayef, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region, welcomed a number of well-wishers including senior government ministers, and a number of civilians.“We are pleased to meet you on this happy day after the pandemic conditions prevented us from seeing you on the holidays for two years,” he said.NajranIn Najran, people enjoyed a variety of performances of folk songs, traditional dancing, and horse-riding.The region’s governor Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz conveyed the congratulations of King Salman and the Crown Prince to local people and officials.Al BahaGovernor Prince Dr. Hossam bin Saud welcomed the families of military personnel who lost their lives in service.He presented Eid gifts to their children and wives, while exchanging greetings and praying for security, stability, and prosperity in Saudi Arabia.AbhaAs well as performing Eid prayers, people in the southern city of Abha are invited to enjoy the performance of a play at the King Khalid University, which runs from May 4 to 6 at 9:00 p.m.Northern RegionTwo poems in Arabic and the ancient Nabataean language were recited, and the traditional Saudi Ardah sword dance was performed under the patronage of the Northern Region’s governor Prince Faisal bin Khalid.TabukTribal leaders, judiciary officials, military leaders, local government directors, military officials, and a group of civilians met with Tabuk region’s governor Prince Fahd bin Sultan at the government palace.The Prince praised the efforts of the armed forces in defending the Kingdom’s northern borders.Read more: Eid prayers resume to full capacity in Mecca for first time since pandemicSaudi Arabia, UAE officially announce Eid al-Fitr start dateEid holiday dates announced for schools and private sector in Saudi Arabia
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Eid al-Fitr celebrated in cities across Saudi Arabia

From the Euphrates to the Mekong, dams that ensure one country's water supply risk leaving others parched. But shared water resources can be a source of peace as well as conflict. By Ruby Russell..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Middle East: Water resources – another conflict trigger?

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Monday that the death toll of civilians killed in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24 had exceeded 3,000 people.The toll of 3,153 killed so far represents an increase of 254 from Friday. OHCHR said that the real toll was likely to be considerably higher, citing access difficulties and ongoing corroboration efforts.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Most of the victims were killed by explosive weapons with a wide impact area, such as missile strikes and air strikes, the rights office said, without attributing responsibility.Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” to disarm Ukraine and protect it from fascists -- an allegation Ukraine and the West say is baseless.Read more:Finland will decide to apply for NATO membership on May 12: Iltalehti newspaperUS embassy in Ukraine says it hopes to return to Kyiv by the end of MayDenmark reopens its embassy in Kyiv
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UN: Over 3,000 civilians killed in Ukraine so far

Women's empowerment in the Gulf has become a tool of deflection, rather than a genuine effort to promote women’s full and equal participation in society. By Mira Al-Hussain..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Gulf regionIs women’s empowerment all it seems?

The short film is about a Middle Eastern man trying to get through airport security in a dystopian future..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Khalifa Al-Thani’s 'Border' wins Silver at New York Festivals TV & Film Awards