Middle East Experience

Saudi Arabia reports eight new coronavirus fatalities and 435 new cases, raising the total number of virus-related deaths in the Kingdom to 73 and the total number of confirmed cases to 5,369, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.A total of 114 new cases were reported in Riyadh, 111 in Mecca, 69 in Dammam, 50 in Medina, and 46 in Jeddah, the ministry said.Several other cases were also reported in other areas across Saudi Arabia.The eight new deaths are all of residents, the ministry said, adding that the Kingdom sends its condolences to their loved ones and families.There is no evidence on how hotter weather could affect the coronavirus, health ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Abd al-Ali said, adding that people should refrain from believing rumors they hear.Also read: Coronavirus: With 15,000 cases in the Gulf, here is how GCC states are copingLifting the lockdown too early may have negative effects and the ministry has continued to assess the situation daily to determine when restrictions will be lifted, he added. The ministry spokesman emphasized the urgent need for citizens and residents to remain at home and maintain social distancing practices to ensure that the virus does not spread further.Strict measures Saudi Arabian officials moved swiftly to put measures in place when the Kingdom still had very few confirmed cases of the virus, shutting down domestic and international travel, closing businesses, and eventually imposing 24-hour curfews on all major cities.While Saudi Arabia may have the highest absolute numbers in the Arabian Gulf, the rate of daily increase has been steadier than its neighbors – between 10-12 percent since April 9, and not rising above 12 percent since March 31.However, Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Dr. Tawfig al-Rabiah warned that the number of cases in the Kingdom could reach up to 200,000 within weeks, based on four different studies conducted by Saudi and foreign experts. His lower estimate was 10,000.Al Arabiya English’s Tommy Hilton contributed to this report.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia reports eight new deaths, 435 new infections

Emirates airlines is operating flights to Dubai from May 1, the first incoming flights available to the general public since UAE authorities suspended air travel in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, an Emirates spokesperson told Al Arabiya English.All flights out of the UAE were suspended on March 23 as officials moved to contain the spread of the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19. Emirates and other Gulf airlines have begun to offer some flights out of the UAE for those looking to return home this week, but incoming flights are still unavailable except for government-organized repatriations.“Currently some of our flights are available for booking from May 1. However, the situation remains dynamic and these flight services could be subject to change. We aim to provide our customers with as much notice as possible should there be any changes,” the spokesperson said.It is currently unclear when government restrictions on passengers will lift. The UAE has temporarily banned visas on arrival for all nationalities and banned its citizens from traveling outside the country.“We are closely monitoring the situation, and we hope to resume services as soon as conditions allow. This includes receiving government approvals, the easing of travel restrictions, and commercial demand. We will announce any service resumption when we are in a position to do so,” the spokesperson added.Earlier on Tuesday, the airline announced new options for travelers who have flight tickets issued before May 31 for travel before August 31, allowing them to either keep, exchange, or request a full refund for the tickets.Customers who keep the ticket can rebook the flight for within two years from the day the ticket was originally issued.Travel vouchers are valid for one year from the date the voucher was issued and are valid for any Emirates product or service, which means customers can use them to offset charges for flights to any destination in any cabin class, or other services.The refund option is available if customers are unable to travel and will be applied without penalties.“We sincerely hope that our customers will choose to rebook and fly with us again at a later time … We would just like to seek our customers’ understanding that refunds will take time as we have a significant backlog to manage,” Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said Tuesday.Read more:Coronavirus: Emirates airlines offers new options to keep, exchange or refund ticketsCoronavirus: Emirates announces limited flights to Chicago, Manila, Tunis, othersCoronavirus: Emirates to commence select flights from April 12 after UAE suspension
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Emirates operating flights to Dubai from May 1, tickets available now

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has done much to secure women's support, but angry mothers may be a major crack in the relationship.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Mothers versus minister as Egyptian students go online because of COVID-19

The country’s death toll stands at 122 people * Officials considering third lockdown for Memorial and Independence days;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel under lockdown as final days of Passover commence

Chairman Rizwan Sajan has said the jobs of 3,600+ workforce are safe
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Dubai-based Danube to make salary decision later this month

Some experts believe that the 'lockdown effect' is driving some people to move to new homes in the emirate
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Despite Covid-19, Dubai residents still moving homes

Announced in late March, the virtual store is meant to serve as an e-commerce solution to support the mall's tenants in the wake of business challenges related to the Covid-19 crisis
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Dubai Mall virtual store live on noon.com

With the new e-license initiative, healthcare professionals will benefit from reduced administrative requirements, such as shorter waiting times to receive a printed license and no fees for printing and delivery
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Covid-19: Dubai Healthcare City launches e-licensing initiative

After one week, six critically ill patients in Israel survived. Four of them showed improvement in respiratory parameters.;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israeli COVID-19 treatment with 100% survival rate tested on US patient

Obama's backing would come a day after Biden's last remaining rival in the Democratic nomination race, Senator Bernie Sanders, provided his endorsement on Monday.;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Barack Obama endorses Joe Biden for Democratic nomination