China set to suffer from turmoil in the Middle East, but it stands to benefit long term

Politics
Tom Harper, University of East London China has responded to the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran with strong diplomatic condemnation. In an article published on March 1, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency called the attacks a “flagrant violation” of the purposes and principles of the...

Who – or what – will replace Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei

Michael Stephens, RAND Europe and John Kennedy, RAND Europe Leadership transitions in dictatorships can signal upheaval – for better or worse – and in Iran that moment has now arrived. The death of the...

China set to suffer from turmoil in the Middle East, but it stands to benefit long term

Tom Harper, University of East London China has responded to the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran with strong diplomatic condemnation. In an article published on March 1, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency called the...

How the Iran war could create a ‘fertiliser shock’ – an often ignored global risk to food prices and farming

Nima Shokri, United Nations University and Salome M. S. Shokri-Kuehni, United Nations University; Technical University of Hamburg Tehran is moving to restrict – or effectively close – the strait of Hormuz to shipping, as part of...

Folklore Passed Down in Bahrain’s Quiet Corners

You can still hear fragments of Bahrain's oldest stories in the hush of alleys, the rhythm of dhow oars, and the low voices over cups of kahwa in coastal majlis. These tales, woven...

Legends and Folklore From Egypt’s Heartlands

It's from the Nile's slow rise to the wind-scoured sands of Upper Egypt that many of the country's most enduring tales and customs take shape, carrying layers of Pharaonic myth, Islamic piety, Coptic...

Folklore Passed Down in Bahrain’s Quiet Corners

Bahrain
You can still hear fragments of Bahrain's oldest stories in the hush of alleys, the rhythm of dhow oars, and the low voices over cups of kahwa in coastal majlis. These tales, woven from sea salt and desert wind, map a living archive of identity: pearling legends, jinn encounters, bridal chants, and the witty proverbs that frame daily life. Generations carry them as moral guides, entertainment, and coded histories of migration, trade, and survival. Pearling lore is central: stories about skilled divers, haunted wrecks, and generous patrons illuminate the social world of a once-thriving industry. Sea spirits and protective jinn often appear in these narratives, reflecting a blend of pre-Islamic...

Dishes That Define Iran’s Rich Taste

Just as its history blends empires and cultures, Iranian cuisine marries fragrant spices, fresh herbs and slow-cooked techniques to create layered, balanced dishes. Saffron,...

Natural Wonders Shaping the Island of Cyprus

Cyprus
Cyprus is an island where geology, climate and sea combine to create a compact...

Tradition Holding Strong in Modern Cyprus

Over the millennia, Cyprus has held on to a distinctive cultural fabric that weaves ancient customs into daily life. Island geography and successive waves of influence have produced rituals, crafts and communal habits...

Backpacking Routes in Akrotiri & Dhekelia

There's a surprising diversity of short coastal and inland routes within the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus that suit backpackers seeking quiet trails, birdlife and historic landmarks. Akrotiri Peninsula Coastal Circuit - A gentle...

Bahrain’s Natural Wonders Beyond the Skyline

Nature unfolds across Bahrain in surprising ways, offering mangrove forests, sheltered bays and desert ridges that contrast with the...

The Typical Dishes That Shape Bahraini Identity

It's the blend of sea, spice and migration that...

Bahrain’s Natural Wonders Beyond the Skyline

Nature unfolds across Bahrain in surprising ways, offering mangrove...

Folklore Passed Down in Bahrain’s Quiet Corners

You can still hear fragments of Bahrain's oldest stories...

Urban Trips Through Bahrain’s Changing Cityscape

There's a striking blend of old and new in...

Yemen Food Guide – Traditional Dishes in Aden

With Aden's rich coastal heritage, local cuisine features saltah, fahsa, mandi, grilled fish, and sweet halwa. This guide outlines traditional ingredients, cooking methods, and...

Yemen Visa Guide – Entry Rules and Permit Process

Yemen requires visitors to secure appropriate visas and permits before travel; this guide explains entry rules, application steps, documentation, and consular contacts to help...

Yemen Travel Guide – Key Sites in Sana'a Old City

You can explore Sana'a Old City's UNESCO-listed architecture, bustling souks, historic mosques and towering mud-brick houses. This guide highlights must-see sites, practical tips and...

Dubai Visa Guide – Entry Rules for Dubai Tourists

Dubai requires visitors to meet visa eligibility, present valid passports, and follow application, entry, and health rules; this guide outlines types, durations, fees, and...

UAE Public Transport Guide – Metro, Bus, Taxi Tips

With concise fare, route and schedule guidance, this guide explains UAE metro, bus and taxi operations, ticketing options and on-board etiquette for confident, efficient...