Data Reveals Low Mobility in GCC during Lockdown

Emiratis wearing protective masks at Mohammed bin Rashid University in Dubai. (AFP)
Emiratis wearing protective masks at Mohammed bin Rashid University in Dubai. (AFP)
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Data Reveals Low Mobility in GCC during Lockdown

Emiratis wearing protective masks at Mohammed bin Rashid University in Dubai. (AFP)
Emiratis wearing protective masks at Mohammed bin Rashid University in Dubai. (AFP)

New data revealed by Google has demonstrated the commitment of Gulf countries during the holy fasting month of Ramadan to preventive measures imposed to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in line with World Health Organization recommendations,

Overall mobility fell by an average of 36.9 percent in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in May, revealed Google.

Bahrain experienced the lowest drop in mobility in the region at -21.7 percent, compared to -35.7 percent for the United Arab Emirates, -36.8 percent for Oman, -39.5 percent for Saudi Arabia and -59.5 percent in Kuwait.

Residential mobility was the least impacted, as citizens and residents stayed home during Ramadan, with an average positive growth of 26.8 percent across the Gulf. This was followed by the grocery and pharmacy category (-33 percent) and workplaces (-45 percent).

The most significant impacts were recorded in transit stations and parks, with average drops of -60.1 and -53.8 percent, respectively.

“I feel very happy about what has been done,” said WHO regional director Ahmed Al Mundhari. “A lot of states, for example, Gulf countries, they have from day one preparing their system at points of entry in the airports and other points of entry to their country.”

The Google data formed part of the company’s Community Mobility Reports, which show national movement trends in categories including retail, parks, workplaces and transit.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan’s Security and Stability

Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan’s Security and Stability

Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for Afghanistan’s security and stability on Tuesday, calling for respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while voicing deep concern over the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Afghan people.

In an address before the UN General Assembly during a session on the situation in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, urged the international community to intensify efforts to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, alleviate suffering, and safeguard the rights of women and girls.

“The Kingdom stresses the importance of empowering Afghan women and enhancing their rights to education, work and participation in public life,” Al-Wasil told the gathering, citing the outcomes of the recent “Conference on the Status of Women in Islam,” hosted in Jeddah.

He also highlighted the humanitarian support extended by Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing crises.

Al-Wasil warned against allowing Afghan territory to become a safe haven for terrorism or a hub for narcotics trafficking, which he said would pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

The Saudi envoy reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to supporting political, humanitarian and development initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability in Afghanistan.