MENA: May Day rallies and protests likely in countries across Middle East and North Africa region May 1-4

International Workers' Day (May Day) rallies and demonstrations are possible in several countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa May 1-4. The largest events will likely take place in countries where labor strikes occur frequently, including Tunisia, Israel, Morocco, and Lebanon. Smaller demonstrations may occur in other countries with large immigrant workforces and where public gatherings are restricted, such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to regular protests across the region. It is possible that turnout at rallies during the 2024 Labor Day could be larger, as labor unions may respond to the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) and use International Workers’ Day as an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians.

Below is an overview of potential and announced International Workers' Day events in selected countries:

• Algeria: Labor unions usually call for protests on May 1; the largest events in recent years have been recorded in Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Annaba, and Bejaia - usually held in public squares and stadiums.

• Iran: Organizers typically call for nationwide protests. Large rallies cannot be ruled out, particularly in Tehran, Esfahan, Mashhad, and other large cities. Police may resort to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Protests related to worsening socioeconomic conditions have become a daily occurrence nationwide.

• Israel: Rallies by the Communist Party of Israel (CPI) and Hadash (The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) are likely on May 1 in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Nazareth. Additional May Day rallies are possible in Israel on May 1.

• Kuwait/United Arab Emirates/Saudi Arabia/Qatar: While protests have not been announced, expatriate workers from Asian countries with a strong tradition of May Day activism may hold small protests, most likely near construction sites.

• Lebanon: Labor Day is a national holiday. Unions, political parties, and organizations often stage protests over myriad economic and political issues. Labor activists will likely protest outside major government buildings and popular rally sites, including Riad El Solh Square, Martyrs' Square, and the Parliament building in central Beirut. Localized skirmishes between participants and security forces are possible.

• Morocco: The Moroccan Workers Union (UMT) has previously organized demonstrations and rallies on May 1 and will likely do so this year.

• Tunisia: The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) will likely call for workers to demonstrate on May 1. Rallies may materialize in Tunis at Mohamed Ali Square in front of UGTT headquarters. Additional labor-related gatherings are possible nationwide.

May 1 is an official holiday in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen, and Western Sahara, and many businesses and/or government offices will be closed.

Thousands of people are likely to attend May Day rallies. Police will increase security near any labor or protest activity, which could lead to movement restrictions and localized transport disruptions. Road closures are possible along march routes, leading to increased traffic congestion on alternative roads. While most events will likely pass off without major incidents, security forces in the region often will not hesitate to disperse gatherings forcibly if they threaten to become disruptive.