Saudi Arabia, Other GCC States Restrict Movement over Coronavirus

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia, Other GCC States Restrict Movement over Coronavirus

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia closed malls, restaurants, cafes and public parks on Sunday and other Gulf states expanded measures to contain the coronavirus.

In Saudi Arabia, local municipalities tweeted directives for the closure of malls, restaurants, coffee shops and public parks, while exempting supermarkets, pharmacies and food delivery.

The justice ministry postponed all non-urgent judicial hearings indefinitely.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have already halted international passenger flights.

The United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar reported new cases on Sunday, raising the total number in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to 948, with no deaths reported.

The UAE recorded 12 more travel-linked infections among various nationalities, raising the country's total to 98.

Dubai joined the UAE capital Abu Dhabi in closing cinemas, arcades, spas, gyms and parks.

Oman reported two more infections, including a national who had visited Italy.

Oman suspended the entry of non-Omanis except for GCC citizens. It closed parks, and suspended Friday prayers and social gatherings.

Qatar also decided to ban inbound flights to Doha, with the exception of cargo and transit flights, as of Wednesday for 14 days.

Qatar Airways later clarified that the entry ban did not apply to Qatari citizens.

Qatar's health ministry announced 64 new cases on Sunday.



UAE President Pardons Bangladesh Citizens Involved in Recent Protests

A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
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UAE President Pardons Bangladesh Citizens Involved in Recent Protests

A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered on Tuesday a pardon for the Bangladeshi nationals involved in last month’s protests and disturbances across several emirates.

The decision includes cancelling the sentences of those convicted and arranging for their deportation, reported the UAE state news agency (WAM).

In line with the president’s directive, UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi issued an order to halt the implementation of the sentences and kick off deportation procedures.

The Attorney General called on all residents of the UAE to respect the country’s laws, stressing that the right to express opinions is protected by the state and its legal framework.

The state provides lawful means for expressing views, ensuring this right does not turn into actions that could harm the interests of the nation and its people, he added.