Saudi Arabia Likely to Re-impose COVID-19 Measures As Cases Surge

A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Likely to Re-impose COVID-19 Measures As Cases Surge

A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia reported a slight increase in COVID-19 cases after authorities lifted the precautionary measures and allowed businesses to resume activities.

The Kingdom reported 400 cases per day this week, recording a minor rise to those reported before the resumption of activities on March 7.

The number of active cases was less than 2,700, of which 500 were critical, but now there are more than 4,200 infections, with 600 in critical conditions.

Despite launching its largest vaccination campaign in 500 centers with over 3.5 million doses, Saudi Arabia could witness a re-imposition of precautions as cases continue to rise.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia recorded 466 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 386,300.

In February, the Ministry of Interior announced a number of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

However, earlier this month, the Ministry did not extend COVID-19 precautionary measures, indicating that it will not extend the suspension of indoor dining at restaurants or entertainment activities.

It limited social gatherings to a maximum of 20 people, while large public gatherings, weddings, and events in banquet halls or hotels remained suspended.

The Ministry urged all citizens to adhere to the announced producers and preventive measures.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced that vaccinations will be mandatory for all barbershops, salons, restaurants, cafes, and food outlet workers in Saudi Arabia.

Workers will be required to be vaccinated to protect public health and curb the spread of the virus. Those who are not vaccinated before the deadline must provide a negative PCR test result every seven days at the expense of their employer.



UAE’s Tahnoon bin Zayed, Trump Discuss Strategic Partnership

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM
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UAE’s Tahnoon bin Zayed, Trump Discuss Strategic Partnership

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, has met with US President Donald Trump during a dinner banquet held in his honor at the White House, in the presence of senior US officials, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Wednesday.

Sheikh Tahnoon and Trump discussed opportunities to strengthen the long-term strategic partnership between the UAE and the US and explored ways to enhance it to serve their shared interests.

Shekh Tahnoon affirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening economic ties with the US by expanding partnerships and accelerating investments in key sectors like AI, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare.

He also praised Trump's leadership and economic policies, noting their significant role in stimulating foreign direct investment and fostering robust economic partnerships.

As part of his official visit to the US, Sheikh Tahnoon met on Tuesday with Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, to discuss areas of economic and financial cooperation between the UAE and the US and explore ways to strengthen them to serve the interests of both countries.

During the meeting, Sheikh Tahnoon highlighted the strong strategic relations between the UAE and the US and their robust cooperation in financial and business markets. He underscored the vast opportunities available in both countries, emphasizing their potential to further strengthen the partnership and unlock new avenues, particularly in investment in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, WAM said.

Sheikh Tahnoon also met with US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz to discuss the advancement of bilateral relations and the latest developments on matters of mutual interest.

The discussions focused on efforts to strengthen regional and global security and stability, as well as the commitment of both countries to tackling current challenges and optimizing opportunities for development and prosperity, particularly in advanced technology, AI, energy, and joint investment cooperation.

Sheikh Tahnoon engaged with international business executives to explore strategic partnerships with the UAE, with in-depth discussions centering on AI's potential to drive sustainable growth, global innovation, digital infrastructure development, and enhanced industrial cooperation.

He underscored the unprecedented global transformation driven by advanced technology, which is reshaping economies through innovation and creativity.