Middle East Experience

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday the Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for private sector and federal employees.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Employees in both sectors will get a paid three-day holiday starting on May 11, which falls on the 29th day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 12, pending the sighting of the moon.“The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced a paid holiday for the private sector starting from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3, 1442 Hijri, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr,” the ministry said in a tweet.The Eid al-Fitr holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long period when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and is usually celebrated with family and friends.Read more:Coronavirus pictures: Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2020 amid restrictions, lockdownsDubai carrier Emirates will operate at 70 pct capacity by winter: CCOAncient palm tree seeds hold secrets about Roman influence in ME: UAE scientists
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE announces Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for private sector, federal employees

At least two rockets landed on Tuesday on the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq which hosts US and other international forces, but caused no casualties, the Iraqi military said in a statement.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The statement gave no further details.The US accuses Iran-backed militia groups of launching regular rocket attacks against its troops in Iraq. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.Read more:UAE announces Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for private sector, federal employeesMexico City metro accident leaves 20 people dead, 70 injured: AuthoritiesSeven on trial in France for 2014 attack on Saudi prince’s convoy in Paris
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Two rockets land at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad air base hosting US forces: Iraqi military

Iraq’s Health Minister Hassan al-Tamimi resigned on Tuesday over a fire from an exploding oxygen tank at a Baghdad COVID-19 hospital last month that killed more than 80 people, the government said in a statement.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s cabinet also ordered the dismissal of the director of the Ibn Khatib hospital and other senior hospital officials. The entire hospital had been converted to treat COVID-19 patients.The April 24 blaze highlighted the neglect of a healthcare system that was once one of the best in the Middle East, but has been wrecked by conflict, international sanctions, the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and rampant state-wide corruption since then.Tamimi had been suspended immediately after the fire. The government lifted his suspension on Tuesday but he immediately resigned.The government has ordered hospitals across the country to review and implement better health and safety procedures.The incident further eroded Iraqis’ trust in their healthcare system. During the coronavirus pandemic, that lack of trust has meant many do not seek medical help when infected with COVID-19, and have decided not to be vaccinated at state-run medical centers.Read more:Two rockets land at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad air base hosting US forces: Iraqi militaryEnraged relatives say neglect caused deadly Baghdad hospital fire82 killed in Baghdad COVID-19 hospital fire: Iraqi interior ministry
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iraq health minister resigns over hospital fire that killed 80 people

Negotiations over their disputed Mediterranean maritime boundary broke down last year, but Lebanon and Israel are giving it a shot again.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Lebanon, Israel resume sea border talks

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar visited a military base in northern Iraq to supervise Turkish operations against PKK militants, drawing anger from Baghdad.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iraq scolds Turkey over latest anti-PKK offensive in Iraqi Kurdistan

An anti-corruption group has submitted a legal complaint in France against Lebanon’s central bank governor over foreign investments including property he owns worth millions of euros, two people involved in the filing said on Monday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Activists target Lebanon’s central bank chief in French legal complaint

Activists in Ramallah protested the decision to postpone Palestinian elections, with chained hands and tape covering their mouths..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Chained Palestinian activists reject Abbas election delay, pledging wider protests against PA

Judge Tarek Bitar's request is reportedly a formal legal memorandum for which a response is obligatory, and it indicates that he has not ruled out the possibility of an attack..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon requests satellite images for site of Beirut blast

Analysis: The failure of peace talks has shown yet again how regional polarisation has become one more layer in the complex task of resolving the frozen conflict in Cyprus..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: No man's land: The Cyprus conflict in a polarised Eastern Mediterranean

The aid includes thousands of group and individual oxygen generators, which the Indian health system needs urgently.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel sends COVID-19 aid to India