Middle East Experience

The United Arab Emirates registered its highest daily tally of new coronavirus cases since the outbreak began, with 1,431 infections in 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced on Wednesday.This raises the total number of confirmed cases to 110,039, according to the ministry.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.Two people died due to complications caused by COVID-19, bringing the virus-related death toll in the UAE to 450.Meanwhile, the total number of recoveries in the country rose to 101,659 after 1,652 people recovered in the last 24 hours.The UAE has been witnessing a surge in new infections, largely due to people not following protocol measures.Health officials have urged the public to continue to adhere to preventative measures at all times. Face masks must be worn at all times when out in public, except while eating or drinking, and a two-meter distance must be kept between individuals.Read more:Coronavirus: UAE to trial Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, says KremlinCoronavirus: UAE company nears end of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE registers 1,431 cases, highest daily COVID-19 tally since outbreak

Seventeen years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq has neither a national day nor a national anthem.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Why can't Iraqis agree on national day holiday?

The alliance of the ultra-Orthodox with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to turn against them, as the public at large blames them for spreading the coronavirus.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Ultra-Orthodox-Netanyahu alliance threatened by COVID-19

Following a monthslong hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruises on the Nile River have resumed, despite some challenges to the tourism sector in Egypt.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Nile cruises sail again, forced to navigate river full of challenges

Israeli activists are rolling up their sleeves to clean nature, launching initiatives at nature reserves, parks, beaches and rivers.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israeli nature lovers clean beaches, rivers

The US-Saudi Strategic Dialogue that kicked off Wednesday in Washington marks a new era in ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.“This Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that Prince Faisal and I launched today marks a new era in our relationship,” the US diplomat said during a joint news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Both diplomats were speaking after the first meeting between US and Saudi officials at the inaugural dialogue.“Our conversations this morning reflected a mutual willingness to grow not only our security and economic ties, but our whole partnership,” Pompeo said.He revealed that the US was in talks to acquire 26 acres in Riyadh for a new US embassy.Discussions also touched on regional security, including Iran’s malign behaviour, which Pompeo said was threatening the Kingdom’s security and was disrupting global commerce.“Today we reaffirmed our mutual commitment to countering Iranian malign activity, and the threat it poses to regional security and prosperity,” Pompeo said. He added that the US supported “a robust program of arm sales to Saudi Arabia, a line of effort that helps the Kingdom protect its citizens and sustains American jobs.”For his part, Prince Faisal condemned Iran’s “continuing destabilizing behaviour,” citing its financial and material support to terrorist groups, including the Houthis in Yemen.He cited the more than 300 Iranian-made ballistic missiles and drones fired by the Houthis towards the Kingdom. “Their development of their nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and their malign activities represent a grave danger to the region and the world,” Prince Faisal said.Read more: Saudi Arabia’s FM heads to Washington for first US-Saudi Strategic Dialogue talksThe Saudi FM reiterated the Kingdom’s support for a “comprehensive political solution in Yemen.”Prince Faisal warned of an environment catastrophe that “will irreparably damage Yemen’s coastline and marine life in the region.” He was referring to the FSO Safer, an aging oil tanker, on the Red Sea which the Houthis have repeatedly refused full access to.Meanwhile, Pompeo urged Saudi Arabia to consider normalizing relations with Israel, while thanking the Kingdom for “assistance they’ve had in the success of the Abraham Accords so far.”The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed peace deals with Israel last month in a US-brokered deal at the White House.For his part, Prince Faisal said the Strategic Dialogues comes at “a very important time.”“Our strong partnership is vital in confronting the forces of extremism and terrorism that threaten our security and prosperity,” he said.Read more: Saudi Arabia commerce head urges end to business with Turkish companies in Kingdom
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: ‘New era’ begins in US-Saudi relationship, Pompeo tells Saudi Arabian FM

Demonstrations were held across Lebanon Wednesday, under the slogan “Day of Anger,” in protest of the deteriorating economy and the Central Bank’s plan to lift subsidies on medicine, wheat and fuel..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: 'Day of Anger' protests reject lifting of subsidies

Covid-19 has taken over 10,000 lives in Iraq, the country's health….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Coronavirus claims over 10,000 lives in Iraq

Israel and Lebanon sent technical delegations for the talks today on establishing their maritime border.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israeli, Lebanese delegations meet for maritime border talks

Mike Pompeo has urged Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel after two fellow Gulf Arab countries went ahead with normalisation..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Pompeo encourages Saudis to normalize with Israel