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September 6, 2026
Daily Life in Bahrain: A Blend of Gulf Tradition and Modern Cosmopolitan Culture
Lifestyle

Daily Life in Bahrain: A Blend of Gulf Tradition and Modern Cosmopolitan Culture

Reem Thornbury

Jordan: A Kingdom at the Crossroads
Geopolitics

Jordan: A Kingdom at the Crossroads

Everyday Life in Modern Egypt
Lifestyle

Everyday Life in Modern Egypt

Reem Thornbury

Lifestyle

Daily Life in Bahrain: A Blend of Gulf Tradition and Modern Cosmopolitan Culture

Daily Life in Bahrain: A Blend of Gulf Tradition and Modern Cosmopolitan Culture

Bahrain, the small island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a lifestyle shaped by deep-rooted Islamic traditions alongside a notably open and diverse urban environment. From its bustling souqs to its international dining scene, life in Bahrain reflects the country's position as one of the region's most cosmopolitan societies.

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Reem Thornbury
August 24, 2026
Rising Temperatures and Shifting Climates Redefine the Public Health Landscape Across the MENA Region
Health

Rising Temperatures and Shifting Climates Redefine the Public Health Landscape Across the MENA Region

Accelerating climate change is generating measurable public health consequences across the Middle East and North Africa, from heat-related illness to the resurg…

June 25, 2026
Only 3 Percent of Gaza's Cropland Remains Accessible and Undamaged, UN Assessment Finds
Geopolitics

Only 3 Percent of Gaza's Cropland Remains Accessible and Undamaged, UN Assessment Finds

A new geospatial assessment by the FAO and UNOSAT finds that just 448 hectares of Gaza's cropland are both accessible and undamaged, as restricted access to far…

Chronicle | Middle East
August 19, 2026
Slow-Baked Jachnun: Yemenite Sabbath Pastry
Culinary

Slow-Baked Jachnun: Yemenite Sabbath Pastry

Long before the sun rises over Jerusalem's stone alleys or Tel Aviv's bustling shuk, ovens across Israel are already humming with a secret that has traveled tho…

Reem Thornbury
August 20, 2026
Middle East

Even if Hamas disarms, the challenge in Gaza will be accountability

History suggests that without legal and moral accountability, reconciliation and durable peace will remain elusive.…

Even if Hamas disarms, the challenge in Gaza will be accountability
Science

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will probe dark energy and discover exoplanets.…

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries
Shifting Alignments Redraw the Political Map Across the Middle East
Politics

Shifting Alignments Redraw the Political Map Across the Middle East

A wave of diplomatic realignments is reshaping longstanding alliances across the Middle East, as regional powers recalibrate relationships in response to changing global dynamics. Normalization agreem…

Next-Generation Connectivity Reshapes Digital Infrastructure Across the Middle East and North Africa
Science

Next-Generation Connectivity Reshapes Digital Infrastructure Across the Middle East and North Africa

Digital Health Technologies Reshape Medical Landscapes Across the Middle East
Health

Digital Health Technologies Reshape Medical Landscapes Across the Middle East

Saudi Arabia Heritage - UNESCO Sites and Cultural Landmarks
Culture

Saudi Arabia Heritage - UNESCO Sites and Cultural Landmarks

Even if Hamas disarms, the challenge in Gaza will be accountability
Middle East

Even if Hamas disarms, the challenge in Gaza will be accountability

History suggests that without legal and moral accountability, reconciliation and…

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries
Science

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will probe dark energy and discover exoplanets.…

Shifting Alignments Redraw the Political Map Across the Middle East
Politics

Shifting Alignments Redraw the Political Map Across the Middle East

A wave of diplomatic realignments is reshaping longstanding alliances across the…

Next-Generation Connectivity Reshapes Digital Infrastructure Across the Middle East and North Africa
Science

Next-Generation Connectivity Reshapes Digital Infrastructure Across the Middle East and North Africa

The rollout of 5G networks across the MENA region is accelerating a broad shift …

Digital Health Technologies Reshape Medical Landscapes Across the Middle East
Health

Digital Health Technologies Reshape Medical Landscapes Across the Middle East

Governments and private institutions across the Middle East are accelerating the…

Politics

UN Security Council Must Not Become Platform for Disinformation, Members Warn as Political Deadlock Deepens

An annual open debate on the Security Council's working methods exposed deepening divisions among its permanent members …

Elias Bramwell
UN Security Council Must Not Become Platform for Disinformation, Members Warn as Political Deadlock Deepens
Science

Gulf States Emerge as Testing Ground for Next-Generation Renewable Technologies

Across the Arabian Peninsula, governments and research institutions are accelerating the deployment and development of a…

Gulf States Emerge as Testing Ground for Next-Generation Renewable Technologies

Middle East

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Red Sea Shipping Disruptions Send Ripples Through Global Supply Chains

Escalating instability along one of the world's most critical maritime corridors has forced major shipping companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, driving up freight costs and delivery times. The knock-on effects are being felt across energy markets, consumer goods sectors, and international trade flows.

Middle East Trade and Transit Routes Draw Renewed International Attention

A convergence of geopolitical shifts and infrastructure investments has elevated the strategic importance of overland and maritime corridors crossing the Middle East. Major powers and regional governments are actively positioning themselves along these routes as global supply chains undergo structural realignment.

Türkiye Street Food - Simit and Snacks in Ankara

Türkiye Street Food - Simit and Snacks in Ankara

Just sample Ankara's simit and snacks to grasp the city's street-food culture; sesame-crusted rings, börek, gözleme and çiğ köfte from bustling stalls offer authentic daily flavors. The Icon of the Capital: Ankara Simidi Ankara's simidi stands apart

Gulf States Forge New Era of Regional Cooperation

Gulf States Forge New Era of Regional Cooperation

Across the Arabian Peninsula and broader Middle East, a quiet but consequential transformation is taking shape. Nations that once operated in relative economic isolation are increasingly pooling resources, aligning infrastructure ambitions, and cultivating cultural bridges that promise lasting regional cohesion. This shift reflects a maturing political will among Gulf Cooperation Council members and their neighbors to build interconnected systems that benefit populations across borders.

Politics

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Backed into a corner by Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, Trump may resort to even more reckless escalation

Backed into a corner by Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, Trump may resort to even more reckless escalation

The reality is there is no military pathway to opening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump may attempt to find one anyway.

Legislative Overhauls Reshape Political Landscapes Across the Middle East

Legislative Overhauls Reshape Political Landscapes Across the Middle East

Several Middle Eastern nations have undertaken significant parliamentary reforms, reflecting shifting power dynamics and growing public pressure for institutional accountability. These changes range from electoral law amendments to cabinet reshuffles that alter the composition of legislative bodies.

Israel and Lebanon have a long history of failed ceasefires – will this time be any different?

Israel and Lebanon have a long history of failed ceasefires – will this time be any different?

In past agreements, there appeared to be a tacit understanding between Hezbollah and Israel that conflict would eventually resume.

Why new Houthi threats in the Red Sea could spell trouble for global oil prices and inflation

Why new Houthi threats in the Red Sea could spell trouble for global oil prices and inflation

Each year, about 10–12% of global shipping trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait – whose name means ‘Gate of Tears’.

Economy

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Gulf States and Emerging Arab Markets Draw Rising Wave of Global Capital

Gulf States and Emerging Arab Markets Draw Rising Wave of Global Capital

Foreign direct investment flows into the Middle East have expanded considerably in recent years, driven by economic diversification agendas, regulatory reforms, and growing interest from institutional investors across Asia, Europe, and North America. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt have emerged as focal points for cross-border capital allocation.

Rising Prices Reshape Consumer Behavior Across the Middle East

Rising Prices Reshape Consumer Behavior Across the Middle East

Persistent inflationary pressure across Middle Eastern economies is straining household budgets and shifting spending patterns among consumers in both oil-rich Gulf states and import-dependent nations. Governments and central banks in the region are navigating a delicate balance between supporting growth and containing price increases.

Gulf States Bet on Landmark Infrastructure to Reshape Their Economies

Gulf States Bet on Landmark Infrastructure to Reshape Their Economies

Across the Arabian Peninsula, governments are channeling vast sovereign wealth into large-scale development projects aimed at reducing dependence on hydrocarbon revenues. From futuristic urban developments in Saudi Arabia to cultural districts in Abu Dhabi, the scale of transformation underway is reshaping the region's economic identity.

Arab States Accelerate Transition to Knowledge-Based Digital Economies

Gulf and broader Arab nations are restructuring their economic foundations around digital infrastructure, fintech, and e-commerce as part of long-term national development strategies. The shift represents one of the most significant economic transformations in the region since the oil boom decades.

Business

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Gulf Investors Channel Capital Into Renewable Energy as Regional Demand Surges

Gulf Investors Channel Capital Into Renewable Energy as Regional Demand Surges

Business leaders across the Middle East are directing substantial investment toward solar, wind, and hydrogen projects as governments accelerate clean energy targets. The shift reflects both economic opportunity and pressure to diversify revenue streams beyond hydrocarbons.

Diversification Push Opens New Frontiers for Investment Across the Arab World

Diversification Push Opens New Frontiers for Investment Across the Arab World

Arab economies are actively expanding beyond traditional revenue streams, creating openings for domestic and foreign investors across sectors including technology, tourism, and renewable energy. Government-led reform agendas in several Gulf and non-Gulf states are reshaping the business landscape at a notable pace.

Dubai, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi Sharpen Their Edge in the Race for Global Professionals

Dubai, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi Sharpen Their Edge in the Race for Global Professionals

Gulf cities are expanding visa programs, economic free zones, and quality-of-life incentives to attract skilled workers from Europe, Asia, and North America. The competition reflects broader national strategies to diversify economies away from oil dependence.

Gulf Ventures Draw Surge in Cross-Border Capital as Regional Tech Ecosystem Matures

Startup ecosystems across the Middle East have attracted growing volumes of international investment, with Gulf states leading deal activity. Fintech, logistics, and health technology sectors have emerged as primary destinations for venture capital flowing into the region.

Geopolitics

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Only 3 Percent of Gaza's Cropland Remains Accessible and Undamaged, UN Assessment Finds

Only 3 Percent of Gaza's Cropland Remains Accessible and Undamaged, UN Assessment Finds

A new geospatial assessment by the FAO and UNOSAT finds that just 448 hectares of Gaza's cropland are both accessible and undamaged, as restricted access to farmland and critical shortages of agricultural inputs continue to undermine local food production. The findings underscore the deepening deterioration of an agricultural sector that once supported the livelihoods of more than 560,000 people.

Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza roadmap – history tells us Israel may be planning to stay

Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza roadmap – history tells us Israel may be planning to stay

Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, first proposed the annexation of the Gaza Strip in 1949.

Gaza’s ‘road map’ is driven by Trump, but reluctant passengers and serious potholes could derail pathway to peace

Gaza’s ‘road map’ is driven by Trump, but reluctant passengers and serious potholes could derail pathway to peace

Hamas sees disarmament as parallel to Israeli withdrawal from Gaza; Israel says no withdrawal before complete disarmament.

Trump is hailing it as a ‘breakthrough’, but will Hamas actually disarm in Gaza?

Trump is hailing it as a ‘breakthrough’, but will Hamas actually disarm in Gaza?

Israel will likely refuse to withdraw its troops until it’s satisfied Hamas is completely disarmed, and Hamas says it won’t budge until Israel withdraws. US President Donald Trump has announced that Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza have agreed to disarm. He’s calling it a “critical step” toward lasting peace and security in the strip.

Travel

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Iraq Travel Guide - Visit Baghdad Landmarks Safely

Iraq Travel Guide - Visit Baghdad Landmarks Safely

Many travelers can visit Baghdad's historic sites safely with careful planning and local guidance; this guide outlines security briefings, reliable transport, cultural etiquette, and landmarks like the National Museum and Al-Mutanabbi Street to suppo

Photo Spots That Capture the Soul of Bahrain

Photo Spots That Capture the Soul of Bahrain

Just beyond the modern skyline, Bahrain reveals layers of history, culture and coastal light that make it a photographer's delight; from salt-flat reflections to winding souq alleys, each scene offers a different way to capture the island's spirit. M

Saudi Arabia Travel Guide - Top Riyadh Landmarks to Visit

Saudi Arabia Travel Guide - Top Riyadh Landmarks to Visit

Just explore Riyadh's highlights with this concise guide covering Masmak Fortress, Kingdom Centre, National Museum, Diriyah, and Al Faisaliyah Tower, plus practical tips on timings, dress code, and transport to plan an efficient, respectful visit. Es

Egypt Visa Rules - Entry Requirements for Hurghada Tourists

Egypt Visa Rules - Entry Requirements for Hurghada Tourists

You must hold a valid passport, obtain an e-Visa or visa on arrival where eligible, show accommodation and return-ticket proof, and comply with customs and health checks for entry to Hurghada. Primary Visa Categories for International Travelers Touri

Culinary

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Iran’s Streets Serve Flavor in Every Bite

Iran’s Streets Serve Flavor in Every Bite

With steam drifting from charcoal grills and the scent of saffron and sumac hanging in the air, Iranian streets invite passersby to taste a living culinary tradition. Vendors trim skewers of koobideh and joojeh over glowing coals, tuck grilled livers

Lebanon Cuisine Guide - Traditional Dishes in Tripoli

Lebanon Cuisine Guide - Traditional Dishes in Tripoli

You will find Tripoli's cuisine anchored in fresh seafood, spiced kibbeh, and aromatic stews, with street food and sweets reflecting Ottoman and Levantine traditions; this guide explains signature dishes, ingredients, and where to taste authentic fla

Dishes That Define Iran’s Rich Taste

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, pomegranate, dried lime, sumac and rosewater are hallmarks that give meals f

Yemen Food Guide - Traditional Dishes in Aden

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 cultural context for visitors and culinary researchers. The Culinary Heri

Health

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Digital Medicine and Smart Diagnostics Reshape Healthcare Delivery Across the MENA Region

Digital Medicine and Smart Diagnostics Reshape Healthcare Delivery Across the MENA Region

Hospitals and health ministries across the Middle East and North Africa are integrating artificial intelligence, telemedicine platforms, and advanced imaging technologies into their healthcare systems. These developments are altering how medical services are accessed and delivered across both urban centers and underserved areas.

A Region Under Pressure: The Growing Burden of Diabetes and Obesity Across the Middle East

A Region Under Pressure: The Growing Burden of Diabetes and Obesity Across the Middle East

The Middle East has emerged as one of the world's most affected regions by diabetes and obesity, driven by rapid urbanization, dietary shifts, and sedentary lifestyles. Governments and public health institutions across the region are expanding their responses as the scale of the challenge becomes more visible.

Digital Health Technologies Reshape Medical Landscapes Across the Middle East

Digital Health Technologies Reshape Medical Landscapes Across the Middle East

Governments and private institutions across the Middle East are accelerating the adoption of digital health infrastructure, from telemedicine platforms to AI-assisted diagnostics. The shift reflects broader national strategies aimed at modernizing healthcare delivery across the region.

Billions Flowing Into Gulf Medical Infrastructure Signal a New Era for Regional Healthcare

Billions Flowing Into Gulf Medical Infrastructure Signal a New Era for Regional Healthcare

Gulf Cooperation Council states have committed substantial capital to expanding healthcare infrastructure, medical research, and specialist services across the region. These investments are reshaping the landscape of medicine in the Middle East, drawing international institutions and reducing the historical reliance on medical travel abroad.

Culture

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Lebanon Heritage - UNESCO Sites Explained

Lebanon Heritage - UNESCO Sites Explained

With four UNESCO World Heritage sites, Lebanon showcases Phoenician ports, Roman temples, and medieval architecture; this guide explains their significance, conservation issues, and visitor insights to contextualize national cultural heritage. Baalbe

Saudi Arabia Arts Scene - Museums in Riyadh and Jeddah

Saudi Arabia Arts Scene - Museums in Riyadh and Jeddah

Many museums in Riyadh and Jeddah showcase Saudi art and heritage, from archaeological and Islamic collections to cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions, offering curated displays, striking architecture, and public programs that assert the kingdom's g

Kuwait Culture Guide - Traditions in Souq Al-Mubarakiya

Kuwait Culture Guide - Traditions in Souq Al-Mubarakiya

Just visit Souq Al-Mubarakiya to observe core Kuwaiti traditions: warm hospitality, aromatic spice stalls, traditional dress, bargaining customs, and preserved crafts that define daily cultural practice. Historical Foundations of Al-Mubarakiya Histor

Religious Holidays That Shape Iranian Life

Religious Holidays That Shape Iranian Life

With a rhythm set by centuries of faith and seasonal cycles, religious holidays shape daily routine, social organization and national identity across Iran. Nowruz, the pre-Islamic Persian New Year celebrated at the spring equinox, blends cultural and

Lifestyle

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Everyday Life in Modern Egypt

Everyday Life in Modern Egypt

Egypt's lifestyle is shaped by a deep blend of Islamic tradition, Mediterranean influences, and rapid urban growth. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the quieter rhythms of rural villages along the Nile, daily life reflects both ancient heritage and contemporary pressures.

Life in Qatar: Tradition, Wealth, and Rapid Change

Life in Qatar: Tradition, Wealth, and Rapid Change

Qatar presents one of the most distinctive lifestyles in the Gulf region, shaped by Islamic tradition, vast hydrocarbon wealth, and decades of accelerated modernisation. The country balances deeply rooted cultural practices with an increasingly cosmopolitan urban environment.

Daily Life in Bahrain: A Blend of Gulf Tradition and Modern Cosmopolitan Culture

Daily Life in Bahrain: A Blend of Gulf Tradition and Modern Cosmopolitan Culture

Bahrain, the small island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a lifestyle shaped by deep-rooted Islamic traditions alongside a notably open and diverse urban environment. From its bustling souqs to its international dining scene, life in Bahrain reflects the country's position as one of the region's most cosmopolitan societies.

Science

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Across Old Divides: Israeli and Arab Tech Ventures Find Common Ground in Deep Technology

Across Old Divides: Israeli and Arab Tech Ventures Find Common Ground in Deep Technology

A growing number of Israeli and Arab startups have begun pursuing joint ventures in deep technology sectors, spanning artificial intelligence, agritech, and cybersecurity. The trend reflects a broader shift in regional economic dynamics, accelerated in part by the normalization agreements signed between Israel and several Arab states.

Gulf States Emerge as Testing Ground for Next-Generation Renewable Technologies

Gulf States Emerge as Testing Ground for Next-Generation Renewable Technologies

Across the Arabian Peninsula, governments and research institutions are accelerating the deployment and development of advanced renewable energy systems. Solar, hydrogen, and smart grid technologies have positioned the region as a significant hub for clean energy research.

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will probe dark energy and discover exoplanets.

Next-Generation Connectivity Reshapes Digital Infrastructure Across the Middle East and North Africa

Next-Generation Connectivity Reshapes Digital Infrastructure Across the Middle East and North Africa

The rollout of 5G networks across the MENA region is accelerating a broad shift in digital infrastructure, industrial operations, and urban planning. Several Gulf states have emerged as early adopters, positioning the region among the faster-moving telecommunication markets globally.