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.



Saudi FM Holds Separate Phone Calls with His Moroccan, Indonesian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi FM Holds Separate Phone Calls with His Moroccan, Indonesian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone conversation on Monday with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita.
The two officials discussed the latest developments concerning the Palestinian issue and the Arab and Muslim countries’ endeavor to achieve an immediate cessation of all Israeli violations, and support the establishment of a secure and stable Palestinian state in accordance with relevant international laws, SPA reported.

He also held talks over the phone with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.
The two officials reviewed recent developments in Palestine and efforts exerted to uphold the legitimate rights of the State of Palestine and its people, and emphasized the need for increased cooperation to prevent the ongoing Israeli violations of international humanitarian laws.