Middle East Experience

Qatar reported eight new coronavirus cases raising the total number of cases in the country to 460, the ministry of health said on Thursday.The ministry said there are 10 cases which have recovered and that the authorities tested a total of 9,460 people.Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.Government anti-coronavirus measuresQatar announced it was shutting down all shops and bank branches in shopping malls, except for food stores and pharmacies, on Tuesday, in measures aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus.Salons, barber shops, spas at hotels and retail shops are also closed for the next two weeks.The country also said it was closing down part of its Industrial Area for 14 days.The government also decided to close mosques and suspend communal religious prayers, including Friday prayers, to limit the spread of coronavirus.Read more:Coronavirus: Qatar bans serving food in restaurants, halts public transportCoronavirus: Qatar Emir bans non-citizen entry, reveals $23 bln stimulus packageQatar to close schools, universities amid coronavirus fears
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Qatar confirms eight new coronavirus cases, total at 460

Saudi Arabia halted entering and praying in the outer courtyards of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, especially on Friday, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to contain the coronavirus, the spokesman for the General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Affairs said early Friday.“The authority and the security and health agencies decided to halt the presence of people and prayer in the outer courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s mosque in Medina staring from Friday March 20, as part of the precautionary and preventative measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus,” said the spokesman according to a statement on Twitter.Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.Saudi Arabia has 274 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Thursday, according to the health ministry.King Salman bin Abdulaziz had said in a televised address Thursday night that the government is taking all required measures to combat the coronavirus and working to ensure that each resident and citizen is provided with medicine, food and living necessities during this crisis.Find out: Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia: The latest facts about what is closed and banned“Your nation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to take all precautionary measures to confront this pandemic and limit its effects. We depend on the aid of God Almighty, then on deploying our full capabilities, supported by your strong determination to face adversities with the steadfastness of believers at the forefront,” King Salman said.Read more:Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia gives out sanitizer, steps up health measures in RiyadhSaudi Arabia takes precautionary fiscal measures to combat coronavirusCoronavirus: Saudi Arabia closes malls, bans serving food in restaurants, cafes
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia halts prayer in courtyards of holy mosques in Mecca, Medina

Saudi Arabia will suspend all domestic flights, buses, taxis and trains for 14 days amid the coronavirus outbreak, an Interior Ministry official told the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).The new measures will go into effect on Saturday and are a part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to fight the spread of the new coronavirus.Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.Flights associated with humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation aircrafts as well as private flights are excluded under the new measures.Means of transportation associated with health services, food and water, as well as cargo ships and freights will not be affected, however, precautions and extra health measures will be taken in accordance with the recommendations of the health ministry, SPA reported.Early Friday morning, Saudi Arabia announced it would halt entry and prayers in the outer courtyards of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina.Saudi Arabia has 274 coronavirus infections as of Friday but no deaths, according to the health ministry. The new coronavirus pandemic has killed nearly 10,000 globally and infected over 240,000.Read more: Saudi Arabia gives out sanitizer, steps up health measures in RiyadhThe latest facts about what is closed and banned in Saudi Arabia
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia suspends domestic flights, public transportation

Virus suspect had posted a video showing her going to the blood bank to make a donation despite being in self-isolation
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Kuwaiti woman forced into quarantine after self-isolating violations

Special teams of inspectors will ensure the ban on activities for all sea cruises, desert camps, safaris is being enforced
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Abu Dhabi orders tour operators to halt services in new tourism blow

The United Arab Emirates will allow GCC nationals to enter the country starting Saturday, but they will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, official WAM news agency reported.Those coming into the UAE would undergo screenings and health checks and then must self-quarantine for 14-days.The country on Wednesday banned its citizens from traveling abroad and had previously called for any residents traveling to return home. It advised a 14-day quarantine for anyone returning to the country.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE allows entry of GCC nationals, requires 14-day quarantine

King Salman makes televised speech as the kingdom faces double blow of virus-led shutdowns and low oil prices
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Saudi king warns of 'difficult' fight against impact of coronavirus

Sources say Abu Dhabi state energy giant is deciding when to set a timeline for the next round of offers
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Blackrock, Snam said to bid for stake in bn ADNOC unit

Oman TV reports that the government is also preparing a public debt law and will conduct regular budget re
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Oman plans to cut spending by 5% as virus, oil price slump bites

Labeling the video “cringe” and “tone deaf,” many were not charmed by celebrities who can retreat to their mansions when they “self isolate” singing about imagining no possessions.;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Gal Gadot’s Imagine video draws snarky social-media backlash