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Is Saudi Arabia on the Verge of a Second Covid-19 Wave?

People shop at a supermarket after the Saudi government eased a curfew and allowed stores to open, following the coronavirus outbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2020. (Reuters)
People shop at a supermarket after the Saudi government eased a curfew and allowed stores to open, following the coronavirus outbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2020. (Reuters)
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Is Saudi Arabia on the Verge of a Second Covid-19 Wave?

People shop at a supermarket after the Saudi government eased a curfew and allowed stores to open, following the coronavirus outbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2020. (Reuters)
People shop at a supermarket after the Saudi government eased a curfew and allowed stores to open, following the coronavirus outbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2020. (Reuters)

As many countries around the world are witnessing a new surge in Covid-19 infections, questions are being raised on whether Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are about to witness a second wave of the disease, especially after the reopening of borders and the resumption of commercial activities.

Today, statistics in Saudi Arabia show the lowest levels of infections in months, specifically since the first weeks of the outbreak in the Kingdom, in early April. As the numbers began declining in July, Saudi authorities started to ease restrictions on some activities, open borders for exceptional cases and allow the performance of Umrah under strict health measures.

On the other hand, many activities are still suspended, with some sectors operating remotely, including educational institutions, private companies and some government agencies.

Dr. Sami Al-Yami, an assistant professor of internal medicine, chest and pulmonary fibrosis, says that it was previously expected that the numbers of cases would decrease, but that the outbreak of the epidemic was still feared with the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, which is the season for the spread of respiratory viruses and their fast transmission.

Al-Yami pointed to the need to prepare for a second wave that may occur during winter, which coincides with the opening of international flights and the return to schools, which may exacerbate the situation.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he warned that the return to schools should not take place before the end of winter, stressing the importance of committing to preventive measures.

Al-Yami revealed that the Ministry of Health and the King Abdullah International Research Center were preparing to conduct advanced research on vaccines that have proven successful in the initial tests, expecting the beginning of the vaccine trial on a large segment of society within the next two months.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.