Middle East Experience

Russia plans to open a new consulate in coastal Sharm el-Sheikh, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Moscow and signs of growing ties between Egypt and Belarus.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt to ramp up ties with Belarus as Russia opens Red Sea consulate

Thousands of Afghans protested across the country on Friday against the Israeli bombardment in Gaza, responding to a nationwide call by the Taliban authorities.Large crowds gathered in several cities after Friday prayers waving Palestinian flags and burning pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."We are out in support with Gaza. And to show the world that Gaza is not alone, we are standing with them. Wherever Muslims are oppressed, we strongly defend them and condemn it," said 28-year-old Jannat, who goes by one name, in the capital Kabul.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Thousands protest in Afghanistan to support Gaza

Saudi Arabia is ramping up a crackdown on unregistered worshippers at next week's hajj pilgrimage, a year after hundreds perished in scorching conditions.Regular raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts are aimed at rooting out unauthorised visitors hoping to mingle among the crowds in and around the holy city of Mecca.The simple message, "No hajj without a permit", is being blared out in a relentless campaign promoted nationwide at shopping centres, on billboards and across media platforms.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: No permit, no hajj: Saudi intensifies crackdown after heat deaths

His administration last week revoked Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students, a move later blocked by a federal judge.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Trump admin orders extra vetting of all visa applicants linked to Harvard U.

The United Arab Emirates, a major oil exporter, began mandatory emissions monitoring for companies on Friday under a new law targeting climate change.Greenpeace hailed the move, a first for the Middle East but already in place in dozens of countries worldwide, as a "bold leap toward regional climate leadership".The UAE, one of the world's top oil exporters, neighbours several oil-rich countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran along with Qatar, a leading gas producer.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Oil-rich UAE orders emissions monitoring in new climate law

Flynas to launch Riyadh to Damascus flights to boost Saudi-Syria connectivity
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s flynas launches Riyadh to Damascus flights to boost Syria tourism

According to testimonies from soldiers in the field, Thursday night was one of the most intense since the beginning of the operation.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: IDF evacuates 250k Gazans from Jabalya as it reaches critical juncture in fighting

The mother of jailed Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah is close to death after 242 days on hunger strike, her daughter warned Friday.Laila Soueif, 69, was hospitalised Thursday in London with "critically low" blood sugar, having resumed her full hunger strike last week.Doctors gave "her proteins that help the body produce glucose", her anxious daughter Sanaa Seif said outside St Thomas hospital in London.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Hunger-striking mum of jailed UK-Egyptian close to death: family

The move to block the visit comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and make progress toward Palestinian statehood, a key condition for normalization with Riyadh.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know

Ajman real estate sector sees major increase in value of rents in Q1
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Ajman real estate:  Rental contract value up 41% to 9m in Q1