Saudi Arabia
Saudi reports first coronavirus death, UAE gears up for lockdown
Middle East
March 24, 2020
Saudi reports first coronavirus death, UAE gears up for lockdown
RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the coronavirus, a 51-year-old Afghani resident, while the…
Travel hub UAE to halt flights as virus reaches Gaza, Syria
Middle East
March 23, 2020
Travel hub UAE to halt flights as virus reaches Gaza, Syria
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates, home to the world’s busiest international airport, announced early on…
Umrah returnees must self-isolate for 14 days: Egypt’s Health Ministry
Egypt
March 21, 2020
Umrah returnees must self-isolate for 14 days: Egypt’s Health Ministry
The Egyptian Health Ministry on Friday urged Umrah pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia to self-isolate at home for 14 days,…
Uber suspends taxi booking option in Saudi Arabia
Middle East
March 21, 2020
Uber suspends taxi booking option in Saudi Arabia
DUBAI (Reuters) – Uber Technologies has suspended the option to book regular taxi services through its app in Saudi Arabia…
Saudi Arabia to slash spending by 5% as oil prices fall
Middle East
March 19, 2020
Saudi Arabia to slash spending by 5% as oil prices fall
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said the government will cut spending by 5%, or about $13.3 billion,…
Saudi Arabia closes mosques, calls G20 leaders to meet over coronavirus
Middle East
March 18, 2020
Saudi Arabia closes mosques, calls G20 leaders to meet over coronavirus
RIYADH (Reuters) — Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily…
Red Sea governor suspends domestic tourism, quarantines employees at resorts, tourist sites
Egypt
March 17, 2020
Red Sea governor suspends domestic tourism, quarantines employees at resorts, tourist sites
Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi announced on Tuesday that he would suspend domestic tourism in the area and implement new…
Saudi Arabia detains 298 public officials in new corruption probes
Middle East
March 16, 2020
Saudi Arabia detains 298 public officials in new corruption probes
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced the detention of hundreds of government officials, including military and security officers,…
Turkey quarantines thousands of pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia
Middle East
March 15, 2020
Turkey quarantines thousands of pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Thousands of Muslims returning to Turkey from a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia were being taken into quarantine…
Abu Dhabi shuts Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World due to coronavirus
Middle East
March 14, 2020
Abu Dhabi shuts Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World due to coronavirus
DUBAI (Reuters) – Abu Dhabi said on Saturday it was shutting major tourism and cultural venues, including the Louvre Abu…