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
TT

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.



Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Reconstitutes Council of Senior Scholars, Shura Council

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a Shura Council meeting. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a Shura Council meeting. (SPA)
TT

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Reconstitutes Council of Senior Scholars, Shura Council

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a Shura Council meeting. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a Shura Council meeting. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued on Monday two Royal Decrees to reconstitute the Council of Senior Scholars and the Shura Council.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh was reappointed chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh was renamed as speaker of the Shura Council.

Mishaal Al-Salami was re-named deputy speaker of the Shura Council and Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi was re-appointed assistant speaker.

The changes, which also included the appointment of new members to both councils, will take effect on September 4.