Qatar Starts Phased Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)
Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)
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Qatar Starts Phased Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)
Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)

Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures.

A cabinet statement on state media allowed limited gatherings at homes for vaccinated people and said malls can operate at 30 percent capacity, but children under 12 are not allowed.

Gyms, pools and salons can also reopen at limited capacity but bans remain on weddings, conferences and exhibitions, Reuters reported.

Local and international sporting events can take place with fully vaccinated fans at 30 percent capacity in open-space venues with permission from the public health ministry.

Qatar said earlier this month that it would gradually lift coronavirus-related measures in four phases starting the first phase on May 28 and the fourth on July 30.

The country recorded 306 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, raising it's total number of infections to 216,397 cases with 552 deaths.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.