UAE to Lift Gradually COVID-Related Restrictions

People wear face masks amid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Global Village in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 17, 2020. (Reuters)
People wear face masks amid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Global Village in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 17, 2020. (Reuters)
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UAE to Lift Gradually COVID-Related Restrictions

People wear face masks amid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Global Village in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 17, 2020. (Reuters)
People wear face masks amid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Global Village in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 17, 2020. (Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates will gradually lift restrictions imposed to check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the number of infections and hospitalizations has gone down, the state news agency WAM reported on Wednesday.

Venues will be allowed to function at maximum capacity by mid-February, it said, citing the National Emergency Crisis Management Authority.

The oil-rich federation reported on Wednesday 1,538 new coronavirus infections and four deaths in the past 24 hours, according to WAM. The total numbers of COVID-related cases and deaths recorded in the country are respectively 862,514 and 2,273, it said.

The UAE has one of the world's highest vaccination rates.



Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to End Conflict in Sudan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to End Conflict in Sudan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom's stance at the third consultative meeting of multilateral organizations sponsoring peace initiatives in Sudan, which underscored the urgent need to end the conflict, increase efforts to deliver humanitarian aid in the country.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet also called for working toward a political future that ensures Sudan's security, stability, unity, and sovereignty.

The cabinet was briefed on the meeting held between Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, which focused on relations between the two countries, as well as regional developments.

The cabinet welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly that requests an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations concerning the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations and third states.

It expressed its appreciation for countries that voted in favor of the resolution, which was submitted by Norway in partnership with the Kingdom.

Moreover, the cabinet commended the outcomes of the inaugural session of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council. Established upon a Saudi proposal, the council reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Arab security and encouraging coordinated efforts to protect the interests of Arab nations.

Domestically, the cabinet acknowledged the significant progress made by government agencies in the digital transformation index for 2024. The progress reflects the Kingdom's commitment to continuously improving services to citizens, residents, and visitors, improving the quality of life, facilitating business operations, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving top rankings in international indicators and classifications.

The cabinet also lauded the successful outcome of recent economic, cultural, and media conferences and events held in Riyadh, which consolidated the capital’s position as a global hub for science, knowledge, investment, and innovation.

The success underlines the Kingdom's remarkable progress and renaissance at all levels and in all aspects.