Middle East Experience

Calderon, who is a veteran Jewish educator, will be the candidate of the government in place of Intelligence Services Minister Elazar Stern, who dropped out of the race.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Yair Lapid proposes former MK Ruth Calderon to head Jewish Agency

Expo 2020 Dubai organizers have moved to stress they will continue to operate safely and responsibly amid rising COVID-19 cases across the United Arab Emirates.It comes as the UAE reported the highest number of daily coronavirus cases in six months, as it recorded more than 2,200 infections on Wednesday.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The Ministry of Health reported 2,234 cases of COVID-19 infections and 775 recoveries in the previous 24 hours. No new deaths have been reported.In a statement, Expo organizers said: “As the largest major global event of its kind to be held since the start of the pandemic, Expo 2020 continues to maintain robust COVID-19 measures, ensuring a safe and exceptional event for all attending.”“These include the mandatory vaccinations of all Expo and International Participant staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers, while visitors aged 18 and above must present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.”They said mandatory mask-wearing – indoors and outdoors – for visitors, as well as all staff and participants, has also been maintained.“Venues may require to close temporarily for deep cleaning and sanitisation in response to positive cases detected by extensive workforce testing protocols, as well as for maintenance, private events and staff shortages.”For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Visits to Expo 2020 reached a total of 8,067,012 in the period up to 27 December, as the event continues to welcome visitors safely and responsibly. The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone continues to be Expo 2020’s highest priority, and organizers remain committed to working with participants to welcome visitors to a safe and exceptional Expo.”Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022, inviting the world to join a global celebration that will help to shape a better, brighter future for everyone.Read more:UAE reports over 2,200 new COVID-19 cases, highest daily figure in six monthsVisitor numbers to Expo 2020 Dubai continue to climb despite COVID-19 concerns
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Expo 2020 Dubai continues to operate safely, responsibly amid COVID-19: Organizers

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday reported an increase in COVID-19 cases with 744 new cases recorded in the country, as authorities reinforce wearing masks in public places as of Thursday.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The Kingdom will reinforce wearing masks in public places including outdoor events amid a rise in COVID-19 cases locally and worldwide, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.The total number of coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia rose to 554,665, according to the Ministry of Health.There are 43 critical cases of COVID-19 in the country, the ministry said.Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health announced that individuals in Saudi Arabia can now take the third dose, or booster shot, of the COVID-19 vaccine three months after taking the second dose.The Kingdom’s Public Health Authority (Weqaya) also urged citizens and residents to avoid “unnecessary” travel outside the country amid rising COVID-19 cases and the new omicron variant.Read more:Saudi Arabia to reinforce wearing masks in public amid rise in COVID-19 casesSaudi Arabia makes COVID-19 booster shot available three months after second dose
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia reports increase in COVID-19 cases, reinforces wearing masks in public

Iraq’s new parliament will convene on Jan. 9, according to a decree issued on Thursday by President Barham Salih, preparing the way for lawmakers to put a new government in place.Lawmakers will elect a parliamentary speaker and two deputies in their first session. They will later elect a new president who will task the leader of the largest bloc to form a government as prime minister.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Read more:Iraq supreme court ratifies October election results, rejects appeals‘Fraud’ case in Iraqi court against election results by PMU adjourned
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iraqi president convenes new parliament for January 9: Decree

The UAE has reported another incline in daily coronavirus cases, with 2,366 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.Officials also reported 840 recoveries in the previous 24 hours and two new virus-related deathsFor more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The numbers reflect a climb from 2,234 cases of COVID-19 infections reported on Wednesday.Cases in the Gulf country have been steadily rising at slow rates in recent months.Thursday’s figures are the highest in more than six months.In early December, cases had dropped to below 50 a day.The UAE remains one of the top countries in the world when it comes to vaccination rates and has managed to report low numbers of cases and deaths in recent months while remaining open to business.It comes as officials in Abu Dhabi enforce new border rules for those entering the emirate.The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said that vaccinated people coming into Abu Dhabi must show the Al Hosn green pass, while those who have not been vaccinated must show a negative PCR test taken in the previous 96 hours.The new rules were announced came into effect on Thursday.Read more:UAE reports over 2,200 new COVID-19 cases, highest daily figure in six months
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE reports another incline in daily COVID-19 cases, records 2,366 cases in 24 hours

Saudi Arabia on Thursday reimposed social distancing measures at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, after recording the highest number of COVID-19 infections in months.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.Workers have returned floor markings removed on October 17 to guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque, which is built around the Kaaba.The Kingdom’s authorities said they will reimpose “social distancing requirements between worshippers and pilgrims” at the Grand Mosque, without specifying whether a capacity has been set.Saudi Arabia on Wednesday reported an increase in COVID-19 cases with 744 new cases recorded in the country, as authorities reinforce wearing masks in public places as of Thursday.The Kingdom reinforced wearing masks in public places including outdoor events amid a rise in COVID-19 cases locally and worldwide, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.The total number of coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia rose to 554,665, according to the Ministry of Health.With AFP.Read more:Saudi Arabia reports increase in COVID-19 cases, reinforces wearing masks in publicSaudi Arabia makes COVID-19 booster shot available three months after second dose
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia tightens COVID-19 measures in Mecca

Egyptian singer Amr Diab uses camera installed in car to take photo of woman without consent..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Citroën pulls Egypt ad accused of promoting harassment of women

Qatar has emerged as Britain's last minute savior as the UK struggles to meet its energy needs amid a surge in gas prices, according to The Independent..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Britain seeks gas shipments from Qatar amid ‘national crisis’

Asef Bayat, professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, has been studying revolutions and how they affect people since 1979. In his recent book,..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Interview with Professor Asef Bayat: Examining the Arab Spring revolutions from within

The United Arab Emirates, a seven-member federation which includes Dubai, has the world’s highest vaccination rates..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Emirates expects growth in 2022 despite global pandemic