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 Defense Minister Receives Newly Appointed and Promoted Military Officials

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Defense Minister Receives Newly Appointed and Promoted Military Officials

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives newly appointed and promoted military officials in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman received in his office in Riyadh on Monday newly appointed and promoted military officials.

The appointments and promotions were decreed in a Royal Order by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Thursday.

Prince Khalid received Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Ghufaili, who was named Deputy Chief of the General Staff at the rank of lieutenant general, and Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Mutair, who was named Advisor at the Minister of Defense’s Office at the rank of lieutenant general.

He welcomed Major General Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Commander of the Joint Forces, and Major General Fahd bin Saud Al-Juhani, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Chief of Staff of the Land Forces.

Prince Khalid also received Naval Major General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Hamed Al-Gharibi, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces.

The minister bestowed upon the officials medals of their military ranks, wishing them success in serving their religion and nation.

In return, the officials expressed their appreciation to King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for entrusting them in their new duties and ranks. They also expressed their gratitude to Prince Khalid.

The medal ceremony was attended by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and other senior officials.