Middle East Experience

Dubai has expanded the number of recognized coronavirus PCR test facilities abroad that travelers can obtain a COVID-19 test from before entering the emirate, according to new guidelines from Emirates airline.All passengers entering Dubai must present a negative COVID-19 test that has been taken within the past 96 hours, including tourists, residents and citizens, as well as those transiting through the airport.In India alone, there are now 1,180 recognized government and private laboratories under the relaxed regulations. For travelers from the UK and the US, a test may be taken at any registered clinic or lab. In Oman, a test can be acquired at any government health center or private hospital.For more on coronavirus, visit our dedicated section.It is unclear whether the new Emirates guidelines apply for travelers arriving in emirates other than Dubai.Previously, the list of testing facilities was more limited, but now, Emirates says that travelers from some countries may take a test at any registered lab or clinic in the country of origin. Travelers from 29 countries are required to take a test before boarding and also on arrival in the Emirates.However, children under the age of 12 or with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from testing. For passengers who take a PCR test on arrival, they must self-isolate until they receive their results.“All other passengers can take a COVID-19 PCR test 96 hours before their flight and carry their printed negative test certificate with them when they travel,” read the Emirates website last week.Read more:Tourism amid coronavirus: Which countries lifted, eased or kept travel restrictions?Coronavirus: Tips for UAE residents planning an August holiday amid COVID-19Coronavirus: Discover how the world's most off-the-grid places are copingFor answers on the cost of the test, what documents are required, and information on appointment booking, read Al Arabiya English’s guide on the new requirements.The 37 countries with recognized laboratories, according to the new information from Emirates, include:AfghanistanArgentinaAustraliaBahrainBangladeshThe Czech RepublicDenmarkEgyptEthiopiaFranceGhanaIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIvory CoastJordanKuwaitLebanonMalaysiaMexicoNigeriaOmanPakistanThe PhilippinesPolandRussiaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSouth AfricaSudanTanzaniaTunisiaTurkeyUKUS
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE's Emirates relaxes COVID-19 testing travel restrictions for Dubai

Telem-Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid is probably the strongest adversary that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face in the next elections.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Yair Lapid leading list of Netanyahu’s adversaries

The Turkish capital’s only contemporary museum is slated to host an exhibition that highlights interfaith dialogue amid controversy over Hagia Sophia's conversion.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Ankara to host interfaith dialogue expo as Hagia Sophia controversy heats up

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged conducting a series of airstrikes in Syria Aug. 3 after a bombing attempt in the southern Golan Heights.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: IDF strikes Syrian targets in wake of Golan incident

Multiple explosions rocked Downtown Beirut Tuesday, according to several eyewitnesses. Buildings several kilometers away suffered material damage and the explosions were heard over 20 kilometers north of Beirut.It remains unclear what caused the explosions. Lebanon's head of General Security Abbas Ibrahim told reporters that "highly explosive materials" which were confiscated "a while back" were stored at the site of the explosion.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Initial reports and eyewitness accounts suggest that there were two separate explosions. Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said firefighters were dispatched to put out a fire reported at the Port of Beirut. "As they were putting out the fire, the explosion took place and we've [lost them]," Abboud said on live TV as broke down in tears.Hundreds are feared injured and Reuters reported at least ten deaths. Lebanon is currently going through an unprecedented financial and economic crisis and an international tribunal is expected to issue its verdict on the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri later this week. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon has already indicted and accused Hezbollah members of carrying out the assassination.One Beirut resident told Al Arabiya English that she heard a loud explosion, "and then we heard airplanes and an explosion. The whole house shook."Another resident north of Beirut told Al Arabiya English that he felt the ground tremble while he was shopping in Kaslik, north of Beirut.US Congressman Darin LaHood tweeted about the explosion.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Hundreds injured, many feared dead after explosions rock Downtown Beirut

The cause of the blast is unknown.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Major explosion rocks Beirut

Faced with a lingering social and economic crisis and deepening political morass, the task of Tunisia’s future head of government will not be easy..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Tunisia’s prime minister-designate gives few clues about next cabinet

Former lord chief justice of Northern Ireland chosen to chair the inquiry into the death of the weapons expert David Kelly..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lord Hutton obituary

IDF announces Coronavirus Command to start operating Thursday * Edelstein tells hospitals, health funds to start hiring new medical personnel
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel's coronavirus cabinet to vote Wednesday on czar’s plan

A jailed Moroccan journalist was included in a list of most urgent global cases of threats against the press..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Moroccan journalist among 'most urgent' press freedom cases: press freedom coalition