Saudi Arabia Reports 2,736 New Virus Cases

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali. SPA
Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali. SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia Reports 2,736 New Virus Cases

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali. SPA
Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali. SPA

Saudi Arabia recorded 2,736 new COVID-19 cases, raising the tally to 54,752, the Health Ministry announced on Sunday.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali said 2,056 people recovered, raising the number of recoveries to 25,722.

But Abdelali said 10 more died from the coronavirus, increasing the death toll to 312.

The spokesman told his daily press briefing on the pandemic that the Kingdom has been carrying out 15,000-18,000 PCR tests on a daily basis, saying Saudi Arabia intends to double that number.

He reiterated his call for avoiding large gatherings and respecting health standards, such as wearing masks when going out, social distancing and washing hands frequently.

However, he stressed the importance of staying at home.



Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
TT

Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.