Data Reveals Low Mobility in GCC during Lockdown

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.