Dubai Cancels Non-Essential Surgery, Live Entertainment

FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo
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Dubai Cancels Non-Essential Surgery, Live Entertainment

FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view of Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo

Dubai has suspended non-essential surgery for a month and live entertainment in hotels and restaurants until further notice to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai's health regulator said in a circular published on its website on Wednesday that the decision, which takes effect on Thursday and could be extended, was aimed at ensuring the preparedness of health facilities to manage COVID-19 cases.

Similarly, Dubai's tourism department issued a circular suspending entertainment in hotels and restaurants.

“There is a stop to all events and entertainment in hotels and restaurants, and we are working to clarify any ambiguity as to what this means," said Khaled Fawaz al-Najjad, press office manager for the tourism department.

The state media office confirmed in a post on Twitter that entertainment permits had been suspended.

The UAE has lifted most coronavirus restrictions but mask-wearing in public and social distancing are still required.



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Chinese President on Earthquake Victims

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Chinese President on Earthquake Victims

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the victims of the earthquake that struck Dingri County of Xizang Region in southwest China.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques extended his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the Chinese president, the families of the deceased, and the Chinese people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery, SPA reported.

For his part, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also sent a cable of condolences to President Xi, extending his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the Chinese president, the families of the deceased, and the Chinese people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.