Middle East Experience

Lebanon registers 1,240 COVID-19 cases, five deaths in last 24 hours..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon registers 1,240 COVID-19 cases, five deaths in last 24 hours

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati said on Monday he had hoped for a quicker pace towards the formation of a new government and that his efforts would not be open-ended..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon’s Mikati hopes for quicker pace towards government

As Turkish fire crews pressed ahead Tuesday with their week-long battle against blazes tearing through forests and villages on the country’s southern coast, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government faced increased criticism over its apparent poor response and inadequate preparedness for large-scale wildfires..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Erdogan faces heat over poor response to Turkish wildfires

Chief Rabbi Lau said that religiously traditional Israelis and foreign visitors will not be able to understand the differences between competing kashrut authorities.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Chief Rabbinate declares it will not cooperate with gov’t kashrut reforms

There was no immediate comment from Andrew Cuomo's office, and he has denied wrongdoing.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: New York A-G says Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, broke laws

UK officials advise shipping vessels in the Gulf of Oman to be cautious but have not given details..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Warning of 'potential hijack' of ship under way off UAE coast

Iran: The potential hijack of ships off coast of UAE is 'suspicious' • Possible attack follows attack on Israeli-managed tanker off coast of Oman
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Iran suspected of being behind hijack off UAE coast

Raisi vows to free Iran of ‘tyrannical sanctions’ • receives Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s endorsement.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Ebrahim Raisi takes over as Iran's new president

It’s time to move forward with our budget to do the infrastructure enhancements we need.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel has a budget. What's next? - editorial

Shops and commercial establishments in Saudi Arabia can remain open during prayer times in the Kingdom, Saudi media reported quoting a circular issued by the Federation of Saudi Chambers on Thursday.The federation said in its directive that commercial and economic activities can also continue throughout the working hours, including the prayer times.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The federation explained that this decision is part of the precautionary measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, as well as to ensure the health and safety of shoppers and customers.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.It also aims at avoiding customers crowding as well as gatherings near shops when they remain shuttered during prayer times five times a day.In a statement, the federation also underlined that the move is aimed at improving the shopping experience and raising the level of services provided to shoppers and clients.The federation said that the decision was taken after having made the necessary coordination with the relevant authorities.“We hope you will continue to keep shops open and pursue commercial and economic activities throughout working hours, receiving shoppers and customers,” the federation said in the circular to shops and commercial establishments.The shops and commercial establishments have been instructed to make the necessary arrangements and take appropriate actions to organize the work and provide services on a rotation basis among workers in a way that does not impede workers, shoppers, and customers in performing prayers.Saudi Arabia has recently been loosening social restrictions by scaling back the role of religious police, permitting public concerts, lifting a ban on cinema and allowing women to drive.Read more: Saudi wealth fund PIF buys 20 pct equity stake In Red Sea Gateway TerminalFitch lifts Saudi Arabia’s rating outlook to stable as oil gives boost
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Shops in Saudi Arabia can remain open during prayer times: Saudi Chambers