Saudi Arabia Likely to Re-impose COVID-19 Measures As Cases Surge

A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Likely to Re-impose COVID-19 Measures As Cases Surge

A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia reported a slight increase in COVID-19 cases after authorities lifted the precautionary measures and allowed businesses to resume activities.

The Kingdom reported 400 cases per day this week, recording a minor rise to those reported before the resumption of activities on March 7.

The number of active cases was less than 2,700, of which 500 were critical, but now there are more than 4,200 infections, with 600 in critical conditions.

Despite launching its largest vaccination campaign in 500 centers with over 3.5 million doses, Saudi Arabia could witness a re-imposition of precautions as cases continue to rise.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia recorded 466 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 386,300.

In February, the Ministry of Interior announced a number of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

However, earlier this month, the Ministry did not extend COVID-19 precautionary measures, indicating that it will not extend the suspension of indoor dining at restaurants or entertainment activities.

It limited social gatherings to a maximum of 20 people, while large public gatherings, weddings, and events in banquet halls or hotels remained suspended.

The Ministry urged all citizens to adhere to the announced producers and preventive measures.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced that vaccinations will be mandatory for all barbershops, salons, restaurants, cafes, and food outlet workers in Saudi Arabia.

Workers will be required to be vaccinated to protect public health and curb the spread of the virus. Those who are not vaccinated before the deadline must provide a negative PCR test result every seven days at the expense of their employer.



Vice Foreign Minister, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hold Talks

The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA
The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA
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Vice Foreign Minister, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hold Talks

The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA
The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates for African Affairs Ambassador Mohamed Abubakr at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh, SPA reported.

The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation, ways to strengthen joint action on current challenges, and regional developments along with efforts to tackle them.


6 Injured after Debris Falls from Attack on Residential Area in Kuwait

Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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6 Injured after Debris Falls from Attack on Residential Area in Kuwait

Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

An Iranian attack on a residential area in northern Kuwait injured six people on Monday, the Gulf country's health ministry said.

It followed a post on X by Kuwait's army earlier in the day saying the nation's air defenses were working to intercept incoming missiles and drones.

"Falling projectiles and debris in a residential area in the north of the country after an Iranian aggression," the ministry said.

"The total number of injuries rose to six, with varying degrees of wounds."

Overnight from Sunday to Monday, Kuwait had also said it was responding to similar attacks.


Saudi Arabia Intercepts and Destroys Two Drones

Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
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Saudi Arabia Intercepts and Destroys Two Drones

Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

Saudi defenses intercepted two drones, said Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki on Monday.

He said the interception and destruction operations were carried out successfully, reported the Saudi Press Agency.