Dubai Cancels Non-Essential Surgery, Live Entertainment

FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo
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Dubai Cancels Non-Essential Surgery, Live Entertainment

FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo

Dubai has suspended non-essential surgery for a month and live entertainment in hotels and restaurants until further notice to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai's health regulator said in a circular published on its website on Wednesday that the decision, which takes effect on Thursday and could be extended, was aimed at ensuring the preparedness of health facilities to manage COVID-19 cases.

Similarly, Dubai's tourism department issued a circular suspending entertainment in hotels and restaurants.

“There is a stop to all events and entertainment in hotels and restaurants, and we are working to clarify any ambiguity as to what this means," said Khaled Fawaz al-Najjad, press office manager for the tourism department.

The state media office confirmed in a post on Twitter that entertainment permits had been suspended.

The UAE has lifted most coronavirus restrictions but mask-wearing in public and social distancing are still required.



Eighth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Syria

The plane carried food, shelter, and medical supplies. Photo by SPA
The plane carried food, shelter, and medical supplies. Photo by SPA
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Eighth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Syria

The plane carried food, shelter, and medical supplies. Photo by SPA
The plane carried food, shelter, and medical supplies. Photo by SPA

The eighth Saudi relief plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), arrived Thursday at Damascus International Airport in Syria, carrying food, shelter, and medical supplies.
This assistance is an extension of Saudi Arabia's continuous humanitarian and relief efforts through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to support those in need worldwide during crises.