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Gulf countries, Egypt have ‘strategic’ and ‘historical’ relationship: Al-Hajraf 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Egypt have a “strategic” and “historical” relationship, the council’s Secretary-General Nayef bin Falah al-Hajraf said on Sunday during a joint press conference with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry.Countries in the region must respect the sovereignty of their neighboring Arab countries, al-Hajraf added.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The GCC supports Egypt in the conflict with Ethiopia about the Renaissance Dam, he said.The secretary-general reiterated that the council supports the establishment of a Palestinian state and the return of Palestinian refugees to their home country.He also added that Iran’s intervention in Yemen through the Houthi militia must be stopped.Yemen’s stability plays a big role in the region’s stability, he said.For his part, Shoukry reiterated that Egypt and the Gulf countries have the same strategic path in the region, and said that his country rejects any interference in the affairs of Arab countries.Read more:Egypt says it will open its airspace with Qatar pending fulfillment of demandsSaudi Arabia and Egypt discuss regional stability, Palestinian cause, Renaissance Dam
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Gulf countries, Egypt have ‘strategic’ and ‘historical’ relationship: Al-Hajraf 

Abu Dhabi bans gatherings, limits capacity in malls, beaches, restaurants

The United Arab Emirates’ capital Abu Dhabi on Sunday imposed a new list of restrictions in an effort to curb the recent surge of coronavirus infections in the country, the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The new regulations will come into effect immediately, according to the media office’s circular.Gatherings and parties will be strictly prohibited in the capital city, and movie theaters will be closed. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed to attend marriage ceremonies and family gatherings, the circular said.A maximum of 20 people will be allowed to attend funerals and mourning services, it added.Shopping malls will be limited to a 40 percent capacity, while restaurants, cafes, hotels, and public beaches and parks will be limited to a 60 percent capacity.Private beaches and swimming pools will only be allowed to operate at a 50 percent capacity rate, the circular said.Gyms must operate at a 50 percent capacity as a precautionary measure against the virus.Taxis will be limited to a 45 percent capacity and buses to 75 percent, according to the circular.The UAE has been reporting a surge of COVID-19 infections in recent weeks, with health officials recording over 3,000 new cases a day.On Saturday, Abu Dhabi announced it would require government employees to undergo a weekly COVID-19 test as authorities reduce office attendance to 30 percent capacity.Read more:Abu Dhabi requires weekly COVID-19 tests for government employees, reduces attendanceUAE vaccine centers to focus on elderly, those with chronic conditions: WAM
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Abu Dhabi bans gatherings, limits capacity in malls, beaches, restaurants