Amid an unprecedented rise in virus-infected cases across the world due to the emergence of three new COVID-19 variants, several Gulf countries have imposed new restrictions in order to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Noting that the new strains are highly transmissible than the original COVID-19, GCC countries quickly mobilized their efforts to prevent the virus from spreading across the region. Several new measures have been introduced in travel, education, entertainment and restaurants to combat the virus transmission.

Saudi Arabia

On Friday, Saudi Arabia extended its travel ban till May 17 in line with its precautionary measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. While the ban on travel of citizens and opening of all land borders and seaports was scheduled to end on March 31, the Kingdom has extended the restrictions by more than a month. According to the Ministry of Interior, the decision to extend the ban was taken due to the delayed delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.

Oman

Oman also announced a wide range of revised precautionary measures on Wednesday in line with its fight against the pandemic crisis. According to the state media, Oman authorities have banned all social events and gatherings such as sports events, international conferences, and exhibitions until further notice. In addition, the country's Supreme Committee has also postponed the return of students to universities and colleges. Last week, Oman extended the closure of its land borders for an additional week till Feb 1. Meanwhile, all citizens and residents have been advised to

Additionally, all citizens and residents have been advised against foreign travel to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

Bahrain

On Wednesday, Bahrain suspended dine-in services in its cafes and restaurants. In addition, the Gulf kingdom moved in-person learning in public and private schools to remote learning for three weeks to protect the students from Coronavirus infection. According to the health ministry, the new measures were implemented with the aim of containing the spread of Coronavirus.

Kuwait

After the Cabinet meeting earlier this week, the Kuwait government postponed the resumption of commercial flights to Kuwait International Airport until further notice. Furthermore, the civil aviation authority has been assigned to ensure that a lower number of commercial flights operate through the airport until the next notice. The government has also urged citizens and residents to continue complying with necessary precautionary measures aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic.