Oman Eases Some Business Restrictions, Seals off Tourist Areas

Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)
Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)
TT
20

Oman Eases Some Business Restrictions, Seals off Tourist Areas

Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)
Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)

Oman will further ease its coronavirus containment measures on Wednesday, allowing several businesses and shops to reopen, but will close off some popular tourist areas from Saturday until July 3, the state news agency reported.

The Sultanate’s easing of measures will include various stores from clothing to furniture, the agency said in a tweet.

The easing of restrictions will not include facilities in the Al Wadi Al Kabir industrial area in Muscat governorate, an area where many low income migrant workers live which was sealed off in early May to combat the spread of the virus.

It will also not include shops in malls, or in Muttrah town, which has also previously been sealed off, the statement said.

The Sultanate will close off several popular leisure areas including Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams, Masirah and Dhofar governorate from June 13 until July 3 and ban any gatherings or tourist activities in those areas during that period.



Saudi Crown Prince, Russia's Putin Discuss Efforts to Resolve Ukraine Crisis

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
TT
20

Saudi Crown Prince, Russia's Putin Discuss Efforts to Resolve Ukraine Crisis

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held telephone talks on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

They also tackled means to develop cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Crown Prince Mohammed underscored the Kingdom’s keenness on facilitating dialogue and any efforts that may help reach a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

For his part, Putin expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and its constructive efforts, noting its balanced relations with all parties, its international standing and pioneering role in bolstering global security, peace and stability.

At the directives of Crown Prince Mohammed, Jeddah hosted on Tuesday talks between Washington and Kyiv as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to end the Ukraine crisis.