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Active, Critical COVID-19 Cases Spike in Saudi Arabia

A rise in infections and critical cases recorded in Saudi Arabia as the work of vaccination centers continues (AFP)
A rise in infections and critical cases recorded in Saudi Arabia as the work of vaccination centers continues (AFP)
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Active, Critical COVID-19 Cases Spike in Saudi Arabia

A rise in infections and critical cases recorded in Saudi Arabia as the work of vaccination centers continues (AFP)
A rise in infections and critical cases recorded in Saudi Arabia as the work of vaccination centers continues (AFP)

The Saudi Health Ministry said Tuesday that the Kingdom registered 2,108 active coronavirus cases, 338 of which are in critical condition.

This came as citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia who received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine continue to line up for their booster shots. At the moment, the health ministry is looking for temporary alternatives in the event of a delay in the delivery of the additional doses ordered from the Pfizer vaccine.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker.

“We continue to support AstraZeneca wherever they need the support. We are happy to do so,” SII Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters in an interview.

He said the doses destined for Saudi Arabia would be shipped in a week or 10 days.

Poonawalla said that SII would raise production of the AstraZeneca vaccine by 30% by the end of March from its current daily output of about 2.4 million doses, once the third and final facility making the shots comes online.

Spokesman of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Tayseer Al-Moufarrej confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that an official announcement will be made as soon as a deal is inked with any of the vaccine producers.

It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported 223 new coronavirus cases and four deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 366,807 and raising the death toll to 6,359.

The health ministry also reported that the number of recoveries in the kingdom rose by 203 to 358,340.

Riyadh, the capital, recorded 78 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, while the Eastern Province had 45 cases, and Mecca had 34.

The health ministry said that coronavirus vaccination centers across the country are witnessing a “great turnout from all members of society of all groups,” facilitating the process of obtaining the vaccine.

There are COVID-19 vaccination centers across Saudi Arabia, including in Riyadh, the capital, Jeddah, Medina, and the Eastern Province.

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Gulf

ASEAN ‘Khair Ummah’ Conference Condemns Houthi Attacks on Makkah and Madinah

The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
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ASEAN ‘Khair Ummah’ Conference Condemns Houthi Attacks on Makkah and Madinah

The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).

Participants at the fourth international conference of ASEAN countries, “Khair Ummah,” condemned on Tuesday the Houthi militia’s launch of drones and missiles toward Makkah and Madinah and its targeting of civilian sites in Saudi Arabia.

ASEAN rejected the Houthi’s actions saying it threaten Islamic holy sites and the safety of civilians.

In the conference’s final statement, the participants denounced what they said are criminal acts targeting Muslim holy sites and civilian targets in Saudi Arabia.

The statement praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote unity and strengthen solidarity by hosting and supporting the conference, emphasizing its role in serving Islam and Muslims and promoting a moderate and balanced approach.

Participants called for moderation, tolerance and efforts to counter extremism, saying such values help build safe and stable societies.

The final statement said Islam rejects injustice, aggression and terrorism, and called on scholars and preachers to promote sound Islamic teachings and tolerant values, including through modern technology and artificial intelligence.

Participants also called for continued cooperation among scholars and Islamic institutions in ASEAN countries to counter extremism and promote unity.

The Cambodia-hosted conference was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

It brought together about 130 scholars, researchers and Islamic figures from Saudi Arabia and ASEAN countries for eight sessions on Muslim unity, moderation and cooperation.

Gulf

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports
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Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport came under attack on Monday evening, adding that emergency teams and relevant authorities began responding immediately in line with approved procedures and plans.

The authority said the attacks slightly injured three people and caused material damage. The injured were taken to hospital for medical treatment, it added.

GACA said it was continuing to coordinate with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff and maintain the security and safety of the Kingdom's civil aviation system.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned the attacks on Saudi airports, calling them a serious escalation and violation of international law. He urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security measures.

Gulf

GCC Reaffirms Support for Efforts to Achieve Security and Stability in Yemen

Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
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GCC Reaffirms Support for Efforts to Achieve Security and Stability in Yemen

Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council on Monday reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backed efforts to promote peace and prosperity.

The GCC statement came during a phone call between Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi and Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba. The two officials discussed the latest developments in Yemen amid the country’s current circumstances and rapidly unfolding events in the region.

Albudaiwi reiterated that Yemen’s security and stability are of fundamental importance to the security and stability of GCC states and the wider region. He said the council would continue to stand with Yemen and its people and support all efforts to promote security, stability, peace, dignified living and prosperity.