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Saudi Arabia Allows 3rd COVID-19 Jab for High-Risk Groups

Saudi Arabia witnesses a downward curve at the weekly COVID-19 map (SPA)
Saudi Arabia witnesses a downward curve at the weekly COVID-19 map (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Allows 3rd COVID-19 Jab for High-Risk Groups

Saudi Arabia witnesses a downward curve at the weekly COVID-19 map (SPA)
Saudi Arabia witnesses a downward curve at the weekly COVID-19 map (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Health announced that high-risk groups might need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially those with immune disorders, after 15.6 million people received two doses of the jab, while 38 million people received one dose.

Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali said in a press conference that the third dose would be given to those who have organ transplants and those who have chronic kidney disease.

The coronavirus vaccine has not been approved for children under 12 yet, and the possibility of giving them the vaccine is still under study, he added.

The spokesman confirmed the importance of completing vaccinations to prevent exposure to mutations, increase immunity, and prevent long-term COVID-19 problems, as it is considered more severe in its complications.

He explained that the coronavirus is still spreading worldwide, and cases are still increasing, calling on everyone to complete taking the two doses to raise protection and adhere to precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus.

"It is important to continue taking all vaccine doses, even for those who have recovered from the virus, while continuing to adhere to the precautionary measures," he said.

Abdelali stated that the Kingdom witnessed a downward curve at the weekly infection map, and the epidemiological indices of coronavirus cases are moving towards a positive direction.

The Ministry reported 120 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 545,243, including 2,602 active cases, 723 of which are critical.

The Kingdom reported seven deaths, raising the COVID-19 death toll to 8,579, while the number of recoveries rose by 219 to 534,062, the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced one death due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of fatalities to 2,046.

MoHAP announced 971 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 723,263.

According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the statement noted that an additional 1,387 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 712,521.

The Ministry conducted 302,164 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment.

In addition, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced 103 new coronavirus cases during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 410,270, and the total number of deaths reached 2423.

Spokesman Abdullah al-Sanad explained that 59 cases are in intensive care, while 187 cases recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 405,770 cases.

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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.