More than 62,000 Recover from Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia

A security woman checks the temperature of a woman at King Khalid International Airport, after Saudi Arabia reopened domestic flights, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
A security woman checks the temperature of a woman at King Khalid International Airport, after Saudi Arabia reopened domestic flights, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
TT
20

More than 62,000 Recover from Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia

A security woman checks the temperature of a woman at King Khalid International Airport, after Saudi Arabia reopened domestic flights, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
A security woman checks the temperature of a woman at King Khalid International Airport, after Saudi Arabia reopened domestic flights, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Saudi Arabia has a total of 85,261 cases of the coronavirus after 1,877 more people tested positive in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said Sunday.

So far, 62,442 patients have recovered after 3,559 new recoveries.

The death toll from the outbreak rose by 23 in the Kingdom to reach 503.

Saudi Arabia’s mosques opened their doors to worshippers on Sunday for the first time in more than two months as the Kingdom eased restrictions imposed to combat the outbreak.

Abu Dhabi, the largest member of the United Arab Emirates federation, announced a one-week ban on traffic to and between its main cities, to be implemented from June 2, the local government media office said.

The restrictions, which aim to check the spread of the coronavirus, include a ban on entering and exiting the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a whole, it said on Twitter.

The other cities of Abu Dhabi mentioned by the announcement are Al-Ain and Al-Dhafra. Movement within these cities is allowed as long as a night curfew, already in force, is observed.

The UAE Health Ministry said Sunday two people died from complications caused by the COVID-19 disease, raising the overall death toll in the country to 264.

There were also 661 new cases, which brought the number of infections to 34,557.

In Qatar, there were also two more deaths, bringing the death toll in the country to 38.

Its Health Ministry said 1,648 new infections were detected, raising overall cases to 56,910.

Oman also confirmed two more deaths and 1,014 new infections.

The Sultanate’s Health Ministry said the deaths brought the toll to 47, while the total number of cases rose to 11,437.



Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
TT
20

Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)

Oman has inaugurated the 8th Indian Ocean Conference under the theme “A Voyage Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” The event gathered ministers, officials, experts, and specialists in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs from around the world, with representatives from 60 countries and international organizations.

In his opening speech, Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said that partnerships among Indian Ocean nations go beyond maritime issues to include energy, technology, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to promoting dialogue, respecting multilateralism, and focusing on common ground rather than divisions.

He stressed that cooperation is the only way to ensure security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, asserting that maritime sovereignty and freedom of navigation cannot be achieved through hostile policies or military force but through constructive engagement and collaboration. He also highlighted the need for nations of the Global South to speak with a unified voice to enhance maritime security and address shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.

The conference, organized by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the India Foundation and supported by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, aims to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations while strengthening regional cooperation in maritime, economic, and security affairs.

Al Busaidi said: “The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water; it is an economic lifeline, a platform for exchange, and a bridge for communication and friendship. We share a collective responsibility to address issues such as protecting the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities against climate change. This conference presents an opportunity to explore the ocean’s untapped potential.”

He further explained that Oman’s economic vision is centered on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in blue economy sectors, port infrastructure, and logistics services. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to developing sustainable strategies that benefit all.

Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s belief that all nations are partners in achieving shared security and prosperity, stressing the Sultanate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive partnership in the Indian Ocean that ensures fair opportunities for all, both in the North and the South.

Over two days, the conference will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations, with a focus on maritime trade, renewable energy, maritime security, and technological innovation.