Middle East Experience

The United Arab Emirates has decided to reopen its land-border crossings as it works to support the economy from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Friday.The statement said Omani citizens would not need authorization to enter the country from November 16 but would need a negative PCR coronavirus test.The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, announced the beginning of movement through land ports at the state level from November 16, 2020 (Monday).In a joint statement, the three authorities said that citizens of the Sultanate of Oman are exempt from the requirement of prior approval to enter the country through land ports.Omani citizens are required to present a negative PCR test result, provided the pre-examination is from accredited laboratories in their country, and that the validity period of the test does not exceed 48 hours from the date of the test.They are also required to conduct a COVID-19 test at the ports upon arrival and follow all preventive and precautionary measures according to the approved protocols, in addition to installing the Al Hosn application.A PCR test is obligatory on the fourth day if they have stayed for four consecutive days in the UAE.The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship also noted that the quarantine procedures for visitors coming into the country are in accordance with the local procedures followed in the various emirates.In case a person is tested at the port and the result is positive, procedures for denied entry will be applied, according to international rules and regulations.-- With Reuters
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE reopens land-border crossings closed due to coronavirus

A first-of-its-kind PCR testing that gives instant results is set to be launched at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Video: Covid test results in 30 minutes at Abu Dhabi Airport

On the other hand, countries with a higher number of women in senior political positions also had higher mortality rates.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: COVID mortality lower in women-led states with high uncertainty tolerance

The US secretary of state is expected to make an unprecedented visit to Psagot, an Israeli settlement in what is globally recognized as Palestinian territory, on his current trip to the Middle East.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Pompeo reportedly to visit Israeli West Bank settlement

A special envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron persisted with a second day of clandestine meetings with Lebanese politicians Friday, in a bid to speed up government formation efforts..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: French envoy maintains talks with local leaders

Rolling reviews allow drug companies to submit applications for COVID-19 medicinal products before development work is concluded.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Switzerland starts 'rolling review' of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

Former Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt said he never could have imagined celebrating his daughter engagement in the Dubai desert four years ago..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Jason Greenblatt, Trump's ex-envoy who helped broker UAE-Israel deal, celebrates daughter's engagement in Dubai

Violence and riots rocked several regions of Jordan on Thursday, with witnesses reporting parades with automatic weapons..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Riots, unrest hit Jordan after parliamentary elections

Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul spoke out against the widespread practice of arbitrary detentions Friday, fueling speculation that Turkish philanthropist and civic activist Osman Kavala, who has been in jail for more than three years on a slew of outlandish charges, may be finally freed.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Should Turkish justice minister's comments fuel hope for release of philanthropist Osman Kavala?

A State Department official said Pompeo's "tight schedule" will keep him from meeting Turkish officials when in Istanbul next week.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Intel: US blames ‘scheduling issue’ for no Pompeo-Erdogan meeting