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Middle East Chronicle
Inside Matters
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Beirut
October 10, 2026
US Targets Hamas Financing Network in France
Geopolitics

US Targets Hamas Financing Network in France

Elias Bramwell

One in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide – new study
Health

One in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide – new study

John (Eddie) La Marca

Italy's Rampolla del Tindaro Named UN Chief in Egypt
Geopolitics

Italy's Rampolla del Tindaro Named UN Chief in Egypt

Elias Bramwell

Lifestyle

Social media hasn’t killed personal style, it’s killed how we communicate it

Social media hasn’t killed personal style, it’s killed how we communicate it

Put down the coffee, walk away from the zebra crossing, think beyond chic and get more creative.

Read more →
Catherine Greenwood
October 10, 2026
Tourist Attractions That Tell Bahrain’s Story
Travel

Tourist Attractions That Tell Bahrain’s Story

Many sites across Bahrain trace its arc from the ancient Dilmun civilization to a contemporary Gulf state, offering visitors tangible links to trade, faith, cra…

March 12, 2026
UN Envoy Warns Security Council That Yemen Risks Being Drawn Into Regional War as Houthi Attacks Escalate
Geopolitics

UN Envoy Warns Security Council That Yemen Risks Being Drawn Into Regional War as Houthi Attacks Escalate

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen has told the Security Council that the country faces a greater risk of returning to large-scale conflict than at any point since …

Elias Bramwell
August 15, 2026
Türkiye Heritage - Ephesus Ruins and Ancient Sites
Middle East

Türkiye Heritage - Ephesus Ruins and Ancient Sites

You will find Ephesus offering unparalleled insight into Roman urban life through its marble streets, Library of Celsus, and vast amphitheater; archaeological l…

April 4, 2026
Middle East

Gulf Energy Decisions Reshape Global Markets and Geopolitical Alliances

The Gulf Cooperation Council states, holding a substantial share of the world's proven oil and natural gas reserves, wie…

Geopolitics

U.S. Sanctions Target Iran-Russia Arms Network

The U.S. State Department has designated three entities — one Iranian and two Russian — for facilitating Iran's military…

Elias Bramwell
U.S. Sanctions Target Iran-Russia Arms Network
Yemen is spiralling into another civil war that could swiftly engulf in the entire region
Geopolitics

Yemen is spiralling into another civil war that could swiftly engulf in the entire region

Turkey and Pakistan are poised to send troops to Saudi Arabia, but so far the Trump administration has avoided getting involved.

Amin Saikal
Tradition Alive in Modern Iran
Culture

Tradition Alive in Modern Iran

Middle East

Middle East Trade and Transit Routes Draw Renewed International Attention

Egypt Street Food - Where to Eat Ful Medames Safely
Culinary

Egypt Street Food - Where to Eat Ful Medames Safely

U.S. Sanctions Target Iran-Russia Arms Network
Geopolitics

U.S. Sanctions Target Iran-Russia Arms Network

The U.S. State Department has designated three entities — one Iranian and two Ru…

Yemen is spiralling into another civil war that could swiftly engulf in the entire region
Geopolitics

Yemen is spiralling into another civil war that could swiftly engulf in the entire region

Turkey and Pakistan are poised to send troops to Saudi Arabia, but so far the Tr…

Tradition Alive in Modern Iran
Culture

Tradition Alive in Modern Iran

Iran balances centuries-old customs and contemporary life, creating a society wh…

Egypt Street Food - Where to Eat Ful Medames Safely
Culinary

Egypt Street Food - Where to Eat Ful Medames Safely

There's a safe way to enjoy ful medames in Egypt: choose busy stalls with high t…

Türkiye Tourism - Cappadocia Balloon Routes and Valleys
Middle East

Türkiye Tourism - Cappadocia Balloon Routes and Valleys

The Geological Evolution of the Anatolian Plateau Tectonic collisions between th…

Science

Desalination Research Reshapes Water Security Across the Middle East and North Africa

Scientific advances in membrane filtration and solar-powered desalination are expanding the technical capacity to conver…

Desalination Research Reshapes Water Security Across the Middle East and North Africa
Culture

UAE Culture Guide - Customs and Traditions Explained

Over centuries Emirati customs have blended Bedouin heritage, Islamic practices, and modern influences; this guide expla…

UAE Culture Guide - Customs and Traditions Explained

Middle East

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AI Use & Disclosure

AI Use & Disclosure

Purpose of This Disclosure This disclosure explains how and where artificial intelligence (AI) is used across our digital publications. Our goal is to ensure transparency, editorial integrity, and accountability , while clearly distinguishing between

Türkiye Food Guide - Traditional Kebabs in Gaziantep

Türkiye Food Guide - Traditional Kebabs in Gaziantep

It's the epicenter of Turkish kebab tradition, where artisans craft Antep kebabı, Beyti, and Ali Nazik using regional spices, centuries-old techniques and charcoal grills; this guide highlights signature recipes, tasting tips, and cultural context. G

UN Chief Calls for Stronger Protection of Humanitarian Workers on Anniversary of 2003 Baghdad Bombing

UN Chief Calls for Stronger Protection of Humanitarian Workers on Anniversary of 2003 Baghdad Bombing

UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the twenty-third anniversary of the bombing of the UN's Baghdad headquarters by honouring the 22 colleagues killed in the attack and urging renewed commitment to protecting humanitarian workers worldwide. Speaking on World Humanitarian Day, Guterres warned that rules designed to safeguard civilians and aid personnel are being violated with alarming frequency and impunity.

Türkiye Travel Guide - Istanbul Landmarks and Bosphorus

Türkiye Travel Guide - Istanbul Landmarks and Bosphorus

Over two millennia, Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Bosphorus strait define Türkiye's cultural and maritime heritage, offering historical insight, scenic ferry rides and architectural masterpieces for informed trav

Politics

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Lebanon's Institutions Chart a Path Toward Renewal

Across Lebanon, a quiet but consequential transformation is taking shape within the country's political institutions. After years of public demand for meaningful change, governing bodies at multiple levels are increasingly adopting practices centered on transparency, civic participation, and institutional accountability. This evolving landscape reflects a society determined to rebuild public trust from the ground up.

Jordan's Governance Reforms Shape a Stronger State

Jordan is increasingly recognized across the region as a model of deliberate, sustained governance reform. In recent months, the Hashemite Kingdom has accelerated efforts to modernize its political institutions, improve public administration, and deepen civic engagement — a trajectory that reflects both royal vision and growing public demand for accountable, efficient government.

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

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 and a record-length impasse over the appointment of subsidiary body chairs. Speakers from nearly 60 delegations urged reforms to restore transparency, functionality, and trust in the Council — with direct implications for conflict resolution efforts across the Middle East and beyond.

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

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 the latest escalat

Economy

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FAO Chief: Horticulture Must Drive the Next Transformation of Global Agrifood Systems

FAO Chief: Horticulture Must Drive the Next Transformation of Global Agrifood Systems

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu told the International Horticultural Congress in Kyoto that unlocking horticulture's full potential is essential to delivering healthy diets and resilient food systems, warning that rising production figures have so far failed to translate into better nutrition outcomes. He called for targeted investment, innovation, and stronger policies to close widening gaps in productivity, availability, and affordability.

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.

Cultural Tourism Brings Egypt’s History to Life

Cultural Tourism Brings Egypt’s History to Life

In Egypt, history is never far from reach. The country’s landscape—etched with pyramids, temples, and tombs—carries the weight of civilizations that flourished along the Nile thousands of years ago. For travelers, cultural tourism offers a rare chanc

Gulf States Chart New Economic Paths as Diversification Push Gains Momentum

Gulf States Chart New Economic Paths as Diversification Push Gains Momentum

Countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues, investing heavily in tourism, technology, and financial services. The shift reflects both long-term strategic planning and growing awareness of global energy transition pressures.

Business

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Digital Shopping Transforms Gulf Consumer Habits as Online Retail Expands Across the Region

Digital Shopping Transforms Gulf Consumer Habits as Online Retail Expands Across the Region

Gulf states are experiencing a sustained shift toward e-commerce, driven by high smartphone penetration, young demographics, and expanding logistics infrastructure. Traditional retail sectors are adapting to a marketplace increasingly shaped by digital platforms and changing consumer expectations.

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.

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.

Kuwait Seafood Market - Trade in Sharq Market

Kuwait Seafood Market - Trade in Sharq Market

Many traders and fishers converge daily in Sharq Market, where diverse seafood supply, wholesale pricing, and export activity define Kuwait's maritime trade hub, supporting local demand, quality control practices, and regional distribution networks.

Geopolitics

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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.

Yemen on the Edge: How Houthi Escalation Threatens to Ignite a Wider Regional War

Yemen on the Edge: How Houthi Escalation Threatens to Ignite a Wider Regional War

The UN's senior envoy for Yemen has warned the Security Council that the country faces its gravest risk of returning to large-scale conflict since a landmark 2022 truce, as Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping pull Yemen deeper into the region's broader confrontation. With 6 million people at emergency levels of deprivation and a humanitarian appeal barely 20 per cent funded, the stakes for inaction could not be higher.

Iran war pushes diesel – the economy’s lifeblood – to record high prices, with no relief on the horizon

Iran war pushes diesel – the economy’s lifeblood – to record high prices, with no relief on the horizon

The country, and the world, have been losing diesel refining capacity for many years and can’t just ramp up production to fill the shortages.

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.

Travel

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Picture-Perfect Spots Across Egypt

Picture-Perfect Spots Across Egypt

Travel to Egypt reveals a mosaic of landscapes and monuments that reward patient photographers with dramatic light and timeless subjects. From Nile-side silhouettes to desert panoramas, the country offers varied composition opportunities for both wid

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

Saudi Arabia Tourism - AlUla Heritage Sites and Desert Tours

Saudi Arabia Tourism - AlUla Heritage Sites and Desert Tours

Just explore AlUla's UNESCO heritage, ancient Nabatean tombs, and dramatic sandstone formations while guided desert tours reveal archaeology, culture, and stargazing opportunities. Hegra: The Nabataean Gateway to the Past Hegra showcases towering Nab

Iran Travel Guide - Explore Isfahan Historic Sites

Iran Travel Guide - Explore Isfahan Historic Sites

Travel to Isfahan reveals a tapestry of Safavid-era architecture, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam Mosque, and Chehel Sotoun; this guide provides practical history, visiting tips, and best times to explore each historic site with authoritative lo

Culinary

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Kanafeh in Nablus

Just Nablus' kanafeh pairs crisp kataifi with melted akkawi cheese and fragrant sugar syrup, defining Palestinian dessert excellence. This guide covers its history, preparation techniques, and top bakeries. The Historical Roots of Nabulsi Kanafeh Nab

UAE Street Food Guide - Popular Snacks and Where to Eat

UAE Street Food Guide - Popular Snacks and Where to Eat

StreetFood culture in the UAE showcases shawarma, falafel, luqaimat and karak tea, with best bites from souks, food trucks and local markets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Savory Classics: Meats and Flatbreads Street-side stalls and small baker

Slow-Baked Jachnun: Yemenite Sabbath Pastry

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 thousands of miles and hundreds of years. Inside them, coiled rolls of golden dough sit patiently in low, steady heat, transforming overnight into something extraordinary: deeply caramelized, faintly sweet, impossibly tender jachnun. This is the taste of Yemenite Jewish heritage, carried by immigrants who settled in Israel and brought with them a Sabbath ritual as much about patience as it is about flavor.

Bahrain’s Street Food, Served Hot and After Dark

Bahrain’s Street Food, Served Hot and After Dark

Over neon-lit lanes and shaded alleys, Bahrain's street food scene comes alive after sunset, blending Gulf traditions with Indian, Persian and Levantine influences to create an inviting late-night culinary map. Small stalls, family-owned kiosks and b

Health

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Middle Eastern Nations Emerge as Growing Forces in Global Vaccine Development

Several countries across the Middle East have expanded their domestic vaccine research and manufacturing capabilities in recent years, positioning the region as an increasingly active participant in global health innovation. These efforts span public-private partnerships, regional research institutions, and collaborations with international pharmaceutical bodies.

Telemedicine Infrastructure Extends Medical Reach Across the Middle East's Remote Desert Communities

Telemedicine Infrastructure Extends Medical Reach Across the Middle East's Remote Desert Communities

Expanding telemedicine networks are bringing specialist medical access to isolated desert populations across the Middle East, regions historically underserved due to geographic barriers. The initiative represents a structural shift in how healthcare delivery is being organized across vast, sparsely populated territories.

Gulf States Emerge as Regional Hubs for International Medical Travel

Gulf States Emerge as Regional Hubs for International Medical Travel

Countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council have positioned themselves as leading destinations for medical tourism, drawing patients from across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Advanced infrastructure, internationally accredited facilities, and competitive pricing are among the factors driving sustained growth in the sector.

GCC Nations Emerge as Regional Hubs for Cross-Border Medical Care

GCC Nations Emerge as Regional Hubs for Cross-Border Medical Care

Gulf Cooperation Council countries have recorded substantial growth in medical tourism, driven by expanded healthcare infrastructure and strategic government investment. The trend positions the region as an increasingly prominent destination for patients seeking specialized treatment from across the Arab world and beyond.

Culture

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Oman Culture Guide - Traditions at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Oman Culture Guide - Traditions at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Just Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque showcases Omani religious and social traditions, with clear guidance on dress codes, prayer etiquette, gendered spaces, and visitor protocols to ensure respectful engagement and cultural understanding. Architectural Si

UAE Culture Guide - Customs and Traditions Explained

UAE Culture Guide - Customs and Traditions Explained

Over centuries Emirati customs have blended Bedouin heritage, Islamic practices, and modern influences; this guide explains greetings, dress, hospitality, prayer etiquette, and public conduct to help visitors understand social expectations and respec

Kuwait Heritage - UNESCO Sites and Preservation

Kuwait Heritage - UNESCO Sites and Preservation

Heritage in Kuwait reflects maritime traditions, archaeological sites and Bedouin crafts; preservation efforts and UNESCO collaboration aim to document, protect and promote tangible and intangible cultural assets for future generations. Kuwait's Stan

Folklore Passed Down in Bahrain’s Quiet Corners

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 from sea salt and desert wind, map a living archive of identity: pear

Lifestyle

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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.

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.

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.

Social media hasn’t killed personal style, it’s killed how we communicate it

Social media hasn’t killed personal style, it’s killed how we communicate it

Put down the coffee, walk away from the zebra crossing, think beyond chic and get more creative.

Science

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Gulf States and Regional Tech Corridors Draw Surge in Artificial Intelligence Capital

Gulf States and Regional Tech Corridors Draw Surge in Artificial Intelligence Capital

Artificial intelligence investment across the Middle East has expanded substantially, with Gulf Cooperation Council nations positioning themselves as major nodes in the global technology landscape. State-backed funds, sovereign wealth entities, and private capital have directed significant resources toward AI infrastructure, data centers, and research partnerships.

Gulf States Emerge as Competing Hubs in the Global Artificial Intelligence Landscape

Gulf States Emerge as Competing Hubs in the Global Artificial Intelligence Landscape

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have accelerated investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, research institutions, and national strategy frameworks. The region is positioning itself as a significant node in the global AI ecosystem, drawing international technology partnerships and sovereign capital.

Deep Technology Ventures Reshape the Middle East's Innovation Landscape

Deep Technology Ventures Reshape the Middle East's Innovation Landscape

Startup ecosystems across the Middle East have emerged as significant drivers of deep technology development, spanning artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced materials research. Government-backed initiatives and private venture capital have accelerated the growth of research-intensive ventures throughout the region.

A landmark UN report says the world will overshoot the 1.5°C climate target. What happens now?

A landmark UN report says the world will overshoot the 1.5°C climate target. What happens now?

It’s no longer possible to hold climate change to 1.5°C. But it’s not game over – it’s game on.