Saudi opens commercial activities, eases restrictions on movement

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced plan to ease some restrictions put in place over coronavirus pandemic.

While disclosing this in a statement on Tuesday May 26, 2020, the ministry of Interior stated in a statement that movement and resumption of some economic and commercial activities would be allowed in the country.

It added that the move would equally allow restarting of domestic flights, opening of mosques, restaurants and cafes and work attendance, but with the temporary suspension of Umrah pilgrimage.

The easing of restrictions will be carried out in a phased manner, with the first phase beginning on Thursday (May 28) and ending on May 30.

“In the first phase, the movement within and between all regions of the Kingdom in private cars will be allowed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. except in Makkah.

“Economic and commercial activities will resume in retail and wholesale shops and malls but beauty salons, barber shops, sports clubs, health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will continue to remain shut due to social distancing concerns, the statement reads.

“In the second phase, which begins on May 31 and ends on June 20, the movement is allowed from 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. in all areas of the Kingdom, except in Makkah.

“All congregational prayers, including Friday prayers, will resume in all mosques across the Kingdom except in Makkah.

“The suspension of workplace attendance will end, allowing all employees in ministries, government entities and private sector companies to return to working from their offices provided that they follow strict precautionary guidelines,” it adds.

It also noted that suspension on travel between regions in the Kingdom using various transport methods would no longer be in place.

“Airlines will be allowed to operate domestic flights if they adhere to precautionary measures set by the civil aviation authority and the Ministry of Health.

“The suspension of international flights, will, however, continue until further notice,” the statement concludes.