Saudi Arabia: Full Vaccination Mandatory to Attend Events, Ride Public Transport

People wear face masks at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2021. (SPA)
People wear face masks at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2021. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia: Full Vaccination Mandatory to Attend Events, Ride Public Transport

People wear face masks at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2021. (SPA)
People wear face masks at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2021. (SPA)

The Saudi Interior Ministry reiterated on Friday that full vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to enter public and private institutions, attend school and us public transportation.

Quoting an official source at the Ministry, it said the decision is based on what the health authorities have submitted about what has been proven by the competent national and international scientific authorities of the importance of completing the doses of the approved vaccine to control the spread of the virus, especially the variant strains.

The two doses of approved vaccines are required for attending any economic, commercial, cultural, recreational, sports or tourism event, visiting any governmental or private establishment and boarding planes and getting any public transportation.

The source that the categories exempted from taking vaccinations as shown on Tawakkalna application, are excluded from the decision.

The source stressed the need for everyone to adhere to the precautionary and preventive measures and approved protocols.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry confirmed 45 new COVID-19 cases and 48 recoveries in the Kingdom, in the past 24 hours.

The Ministry also reported three new deaths, raising the death toll in the Kingdom to 8,719.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.