Middle East Experience

Sixty-five members of the Iran-backed Houthi militia and pro-government forces have been killed in renewed fighting for the strategic Yemeni city of Marib, a military official told AFP on Thursday.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The clashes erupted when the Houthis attacked pro-government positions south of the city, making progress despite losing dozens of fighters in coalition air strikes.“Twenty-two pro-government [forces] were killed and 50 others were wounded, while 43 Houthi [militia] were also killed in the last 48 hours,” a government military official said, in figures that were confirmed by other military and medical sources.The fighting comes after strikes on Yemen’s largest airbase, in the country’s south, killed at least 30 pro-government fighters on Sunday in the deadliest incident since December.Yemen’s internationally-recognized government -- backed by an Arab military coalition -- and the Houthis have been locked in war since 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa.In February, the Houthis escalated their efforts to seize Marib, the government’s last northern stronghold in fighting that has killed hundreds on both sides.Control of the oil-rich region would strengthen the Houthis’ bargaining position in peace talks.Read more:Iran-backed Houthis fire missile into Marib, killing 17 including 5-year-old girlOmani mediators in Sanaa to meet with Houthis as Yemen ceasefire talks intensifyUN envoy says he is frustrated as Yemen ceasefire talks derailed
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: At least 65 dead in battle for Marib, Yemen: Military

Vaccinated travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi will no longer need to quarantine starting from September 5, the official Abu Dhabi Media Office announced on Thursday, but tourists must have their coronavirus vaccination certificate verified.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.“Before traveling, vaccinated tourists must verify their vaccination certificate via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website or app,” the media office said in a Twitter thread.The latest announcement includes travelers arriving from all international destinations, however, a negative PCR test result taken no longer than 48 hours prior to boarding must also be presented.Passengers will also be required to take another PCR test upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, the media office added in its announcement.Tourists over the age of 16 are exempt from the quarantine requirement if they have received “all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine as approved by the World Health Organization and who are aged 16 years and above.”Travelers from Abu Dhabi ‘green list’ destinationsAll vaccinated travelers, including citizens, residents and visitors, who arrive from a green list country will be required to take a PCR test on day six, if they are staying in Abu Dhabi, but they will not be required to quarantine.Travelers arriving from countries not on ‘green list’Those arriving from countries not on the Abu Dhabi green list must take two additional PCR tests, on days four and eight, but they will also no longer be required to quarantine.Abu Dhabi rules for unvaccinated travelersAll unvaccinated travelers coming from green list countries, including those exempt from taking a COVID vaccine, will be required to take PCR tests on days six and nine, but they are exempt from having to quarantine.Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers arriving from all other destinations will have to quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day nine, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.Read more: UAE to give tourist visas to anyone vaccinated against COVID-19 from all countriesUAE sees 62 pct decrease in COVID-19 infections since January 2021UAE capital Abu Dhabi updates COVID-19 green list of countries
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Abu Dhabi removes quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers from Sept. 5

Under the new guidelines, vaccinated travelers must still test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure and upon landing.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Abu Dhabi lifts quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stressed the need for Palestinian political unity to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Palestinian president in Cairo for talks with Egyptian, Jordanian leaders

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said there is “no clear indication” of when flights will resume at Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Qatar in talks with Taliban, Turkey to reopen Kabul airport

The two films that shared the top award were Hadas Ben Aroya’s All Eyes Off Me and Tom Shoval’s Shake Your Cares Away.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Films tie for top prize at Jerusalem Film Festival

The Knesset is expected to pass the state budget bill itself in its first reading on Thursday night after agreement on the arrangements law was reached.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Liberman presents budget in Knesset meeting for first vote

Under the ceasefire deal, rebels began to hand over weapons based on assurances that Russians would maintain patrols and checkpoints..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Russia-brokered ceasefire takes hold in southern Syria

Israeli-Arab swimmer Iyad Shalabi won a second gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games on Thursday, in the 50-meter backstroke. 
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Double gold for Shalabi

Kohavi revealed the IDF is close to completing a thorough investigation into the incident that "will leave no stone unturned."
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: IDF Chief of Staff responds to criticism over death of border police officer