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Bahrain Imposes New Virus Restrictions as Cases Rise

A boat sails past Bahrain's financial district in Manama. (Reuters)
A boat sails past Bahrain's financial district in Manama. (Reuters)
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Bahrain Imposes New Virus Restrictions as Cases Rise

A boat sails past Bahrain's financial district in Manama. (Reuters)
A boat sails past Bahrain's financial district in Manama. (Reuters)

Bahrain will reintroduce restrictions on Sunday for two weeks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus after a sharp rise in cases over the past month.

The kingdom has ordered indoor gyms, sports halls and swimming pools to close and social gatherings in homes to be limited to up to 30 people until Feb. 21, state news agency BNA reported on Friday.

It is also limiting outdoor group exercise to 30 people, while government institutions and entities must allow up to 70% of employees to work from home.

The Gulf state last week banned indoor dining at restaurants and cafes and moved schools to remote learning after detecting a new variant of COVID-19.

The kingdom reported 704 new cases on Friday, compared with 229 infections a month ago on Jan. 5. In total, Bahrain has had 105,119 cases and 377 deaths.

Neighboring Gulf states Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have all recently reimposed restrictions in response to an increasing number of infections.

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Gulf

Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
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Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, officially started the annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century.

As part of the carefully coordinated process, the complex began by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support that follows the highest global standards.

A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Quranic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.

To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex.

The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam’s holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.