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.



Saudi Crown Prince Offers Condolences to Egyptian Prime Minister on Death of His Father

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Offers Condolences to Egyptian Prime Minister on Death of His Father

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent on Friday a cable of condolences to Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on the death of his father.

The Crown Prince extended his condolences to the PM and the family of the deceased, praying to Allah Almighty to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon the deceased.


Saudi FM, EU High Representative Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)
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Saudi FM, EU High Representative Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Friday a telephone call from European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

The officials discussed regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address them.


Jeddah Port Welcomes First Group of Sudanese Pilgrims

The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA
The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA
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Jeddah Port Welcomes First Group of Sudanese Pilgrims

The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA
The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports -SPA

The General Directorate of Passports at Jeddah Islamic Port welcomed the first group of Sudanese pilgrims arriving for the 1447 AH Hajj season, completing their entry procedures with speed and efficiency, SPA reported.

The directorate reaffirmed its readiness to manage pilgrim influxes at all ports by deploying state-of-the-art technology and multilingual, highly qualified personnel to ensure a smooth transit process.

Also on Friday, the General Directorate of Passports at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah welcomed the inaugural flight of Moroccan pilgrims arriving for the 1447 AH Hajj season.

The directorate reaffirmed its full readiness to manage the influx of pilgrims across all air, land, and sea ports by deploying state-of-the-art technology and multilingual, highly qualified personnel to ensure a smooth transit process.