Middle East Experience

Famed hotel Le Bristol, located in the heart of Beirut, has closed down its doors as Lebanon battles its worst economic crisis in decades in the midst of a pandemic..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Famed hotel Le Bristol closes after 69 years

As Intelligence Chief Mustafa Al-Kadhimi prepares his cabinet, he appears to have broad support, and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units aren't blocking his way.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iraqi PM designate readies cabinet to present to parliament

The Holy Fire ceremony symbolising Jesus' resurrection was lit in a deserted Jerusalem on Saturday, without the joyful throng of Orthodox Christian pilgrims who normally attend a spectacle that brings the Easter season to a colourful climax..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Holy Fire lit as Orthodox Easter bells echo over near-empty Jerusalem

In today's roundup: Iran allows some shuttered Tehran businesses to reopen, Lebanon's Le Bristol hotel closes down and the 'Holy Fire' ceremony is held in empty Jerusalem church..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: The Middle East at war with coronavirus: Top stories from 18 April

An increase of 3,783 cases in the last 24 hours also pushed Turkey's confirmed tally within a few hundred of China, where the novel coronavirus first emerged.;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Turkey's coronavirus cases overtake Iran, highest in Middle East

Called the Saturday of Light by some eastern churches, the holiday is observed according to the Julian calendar which the Orthodox adhere to, explained Armenian historian George Hintlian.;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Eastern Orthodox mark Holy Fire in Jerusalem

Event comes days after drone strike blamed on Israel targeted Hezbollah vehicle;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: IDF: Security fence with Lebanon was damaged in three locations

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Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Weizmann slams MoH for false coronavirus testing allegations

Due to measures taken to tackle COVID-19, the Gaza Strip economy is at a virtual standstill, worsening unemployment and poverty.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Coronavirus killing off what's left of Gaza Strip's economy

Saudi Arabia will launch a unified travel permit which applies to the entire Kingdom amid the coronavirus lockdown, according to an official source at the Ministry of Interior.The new permit will take effect from 3.00 p.m. local time on April 21, 2020, according to the source which was referenced in a Twitter post by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior.Saudi Arabia has imposed 24-hour lockdowns in major cities aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, with residents in different locations using different permits. The new permit system would unify the procedure across the entire Kingdom.Read more:Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records 1,132 new cases in 24 hours, total now 8,274Coronavirus: Saudi religious council urges Muslims in Ramadan lockdown to pray at homeRamadan: UAE announces five-hour work day for public sector employeesRamadan under lockdownThis year's Islamic month of Ramadan will be held under the extraordinary conditions imposed by the coronavirus for the first time.On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars urged Muslims around the world to pray at home during Ramadan if they reside in countries that have imposed lockdowns or curfew to curb the coronavirus outbreak.“Muslims should set an example by performing their religious duties while adhering to the preventative and precautionary measures issued by relevant authorities in the countries they live in,”The authorities advised Muslims to partake in their religious practices, such as praying, but refrain from causing harm to others.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.Coronavirus, also known as corona and COVID-19, can spread primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia had said on Friday that Ramadan communal taraweeh and Eid prayers should be held at home to avoid spreading the virus.Muslims line up, side-by-side, shoulders touching when praying in groups, also known as jamaa’a. However, several Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and others have suspended group prayers in mosques until further notice to slow the spread of the virus. Egypt officially suspended all public group iftar and activities earlier this month as a precautionary measure as well.Al Arabiya English’s Joanne Serrieh contributed to this report.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia to launch unified travel permit on Tuesday, says ministry