Abu Dhabi reduces number of single-use plastic bags by 90%
Abu Dhabi has reduced the use of single-use plastic bags in retail stores by 87 million since the emirate introduced a ban on June 1, 2022.
Middle East
Israel and Jordan agree to team up to save Jordan River
The agreement, struck at COP27 in Egypt, where world leaders are discussing how to mitigate the climate crisis, marks an important, albeit initial, step in cooperation.
Thousands of Iranians march for women’s rights supported by thousands more around the world
Protesters have gathered in cities around the world in a show of solidarity with women in Iran who have been bravely protesting the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country’s morality police.
Abu Dhabi start-up invents method to produce fresh water from the ocean without electricity
The novel evaporation method produces no waste and can be performed without electricity, and does not generate any carbon emissions or produce toxic by-products like brine.
Bahrain welcomes first solar panel manufacturer
Solar One has already contributed over two megawatts of solar to the country’s energy mix enough to power around 380 US homes.
Kuwait overturns law used to prosecute transgender people
The law had criminalized “imitation of the opposite sex”, giving Kuwaiti authorities free rein to arrest and prosecute people whose appearance did not match the gender on their official identification card.
Israel formally bans LGBTQ+ conversion therapy
While the Health Ministry has advised against conversion therapy for years, no formal prohibition had been issued against the practice until now.
Scientists heal paralyzed mice with novel spinal cord implant
The experiment used multiple samples of human spinal cells which were later implanted in the mice. The scientists hope to replicate this process for paralyzed human patients.
Israel lifts surrogacy ban for same-sex parents
The new law will also grant equal access to surrogate pregnancy for all, including single men and transgender individuals.
United Arab Emirates permanently stops censoring films
For decades, as with many Islamic countries, cinemas in the Middle Eastern country have been censored to prevent viewers from watching scenes involving nudity, homosexuality, sex, and other content deemed inappropriate by the government and religious leaders.