UAE Announces Completion of Nationwide Disinfection Program

People wearing protective masks walk at the Dubai Mall on May 27. (AFP)
People wearing protective masks walk at the Dubai Mall on May 27. (AFP)
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UAE Announces Completion of Nationwide Disinfection Program

People wearing protective masks walk at the Dubai Mall on May 27. (AFP)
People wearing protective masks walk at the Dubai Mall on May 27. (AFP)

Spokesperson of the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) Dr. Saif Dhaheri announced the completion of its National Disinfection Program.

The program was launched on March 26 due to the coronavirus outbreak and resulted in lockdowns of up to 24 hours.

“Children under 12 will now be permitted in all restaurants and malls throughout the UAE,” he added.

In a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, Dhaheri noted that the National Disinfection Program has completed its tasks at all facilities nationwide, including the public transportation and metro service.

He stressed that public gatherings will continue to banned. He also discouraged people from carrying out family visits to ensure the health and safety of all, highlighting the need to adhere to social distancing and wearing masks and gloves upon leaving the house.

Certain rules will remain, he added, such as the limit of three people in every car unless they are members of the same family.

He warned against violating the precautionary measures taken by the state, stressing that the law will be applied strictly to violators.

“This is to serve the interest of the public and maintain security of the community members.”

The UAE has reported 46,563 coronavirus cases, 35,165 recoveries and 308 fatalities.



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.