Saudi Arabia, Other GCC States Restrict Movement over Coronavirus

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia, Other GCC States Restrict Movement over Coronavirus

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia closed malls, restaurants, cafes and public parks on Sunday and other Gulf states expanded measures to contain the coronavirus.

In Saudi Arabia, local municipalities tweeted directives for the closure of malls, restaurants, coffee shops and public parks, while exempting supermarkets, pharmacies and food delivery.

The justice ministry postponed all non-urgent judicial hearings indefinitely.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have already halted international passenger flights.

The United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar reported new cases on Sunday, raising the total number in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to 948, with no deaths reported.

The UAE recorded 12 more travel-linked infections among various nationalities, raising the country's total to 98.

Dubai joined the UAE capital Abu Dhabi in closing cinemas, arcades, spas, gyms and parks.

Oman reported two more infections, including a national who had visited Italy.

Oman suspended the entry of non-Omanis except for GCC citizens. It closed parks, and suspended Friday prayers and social gatherings.

Qatar also decided to ban inbound flights to Doha, with the exception of cargo and transit flights, as of Wednesday for 14 days.

Qatar Airways later clarified that the entry ban did not apply to Qatari citizens.

Qatar's health ministry announced 64 new cases on Sunday.



GCC Secretary-General Denounces Iranian Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as Violation of International Law

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Denounces Iranian Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as Violation of International Law

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist Iranian attacks using a number of ballistic missiles and drones against Bahrain and Kuwait.

He emphasized that these treacherous attacks constitute a direct threat to the security, stability, and safety of citizens and residents on the territories of Bahrain and Kuwait, and represent a blatant violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

He added that the continuation of these Iranian attacks undermines ongoing regional and international efforts aimed at consolidating peace and security and resolving the crisis, SPA reported.

Furthermore, Albudaiwi underscored the GCC's absolute support for all measures taken by Bahrain and Kuwait to cement their security, safeguard their sovereignty, and protect their peoples and residents.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain

Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain

Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strongest condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as against the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, SPA reported.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its categorical rejection of these attacks, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The ministry reiterated that such violations undermine international efforts to restore security and stability in the region.

The Kingdom further renewed its solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain, and affirmed its full support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty and security.


Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crash Kills 14 Nationals

A Leonardo AW139 helicopter, the model operated in Aramco's aviation fleet, with a seating capacity of 14 passengers.
A Leonardo AW139 helicopter, the model operated in Aramco's aviation fleet, with a seating capacity of 14 passengers.
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Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crash Kills 14 Nationals

A Leonardo AW139 helicopter, the model operated in Aramco's aviation fleet, with a seating capacity of 14 passengers.
A Leonardo AW139 helicopter, the model operated in Aramco's aviation fleet, with a seating capacity of 14 passengers.

A helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed on Sunday in Ras Tanura on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast on the Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz, killing 14 nationals, the state news agency reported, adding that the cause was unknown.

"The relevant authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash," the news agency said.

The incident took place at 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the agency added.