Saudi Arabia Lifts Suspension on Citizens Travelling Abroad as of May 17

The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Lifts Suspension on Citizens Travelling Abroad as of May 17

The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia will lift its suspension on citizens travelling abroad and open land, sea and air borders on Monday May 17, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Saudi citizens who have received two vaccination shots, or one shot at least two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus within the last six months and those who are under 18 years old will be allowed to travel, the ministry said.

In January, the authorities had postponed the end of the travel ban for the public and the full reopening of entry points to May 17.

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday 11 deaths from COVID-19 and 937 new infections.



Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
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Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)

Oman and Bahrain held expanded talks this week aimed at bolstering their strong bilateral relations and widening their partnership.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq received Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Muscat on Tuesday to discuss opportunities to develop their economic and investment partnership.

They stressed the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to diversify their fields to meet the aspirations of their people and countries. They also welcomed the establishment of the Omani-Bahraini Investment Company.

King Hamad was in Oman at the head of a senior delegation on January 14 and 15.

The leaders praised the growth of the historic relations between their countries.

They hailed the success of the Omani-Bahraini business council and its role in boosting bilateral cooperation and execution of joint projects that meet their countries’ aspirations.

King Hamad and Sultan Haitham discussed the work of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its success in boosting collective work. They hoped to deepen cooperation and integration between its countries.

They reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of resolving crises and disputes through peaceful means and bolstering dialogue and international cooperation.

Oman and Bahrain signed 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding during King Hamad’s visit. They covered double taxation, endowments, zakat, meteorology, the stock market, health, media, scientific and educational cooperation, investment opportunities, food security, agricultural production and development and other issues.