Abu Dhabi suspends tourism activities to prevent spread of coronavirus

The ban includes sea cruises, desert camps, safaris and floating restaurants. (File/AFP)
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Updated 20 March 2020
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Abu Dhabi suspends tourism activities to prevent spread of coronavirus

  • The department said it will monitor tour operators to ensure the ban is implemented, and will impose penalties to those who will not comply

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi’s tourism department has suspended sea cruises, desert camps, safaris and floating restaurants on Thursday evening, as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

“The suspension of activities and services comes into force with immediate effect and will be in place until further notice,” according to a statement by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The department said it will monitor tour operators to ensure the ban is implemented, and will impose penalties to those who will not comply.


Iranian FM calls Qatari counterpart ahead of nuclear talks

Updated 11 sec ago
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Iranian FM calls Qatari counterpart ahead of nuclear talks

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reiterated Qatar’s support for all efforts to reduce tensions
  • Regional powers have pushed for talks scheduled for Friday in Oman between Iran, US

LONDON: Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a telephone call from his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday.

The call focused on deescalation efforts in the region, according to Qatar News Agency.

Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s support for all efforts to reduce tensions and pursue peaceful solutions that enhance regional security and stability, QNA reported.

He highlighted the importance of collective action to protect the region’s people from the consequences of escalation and to pursue diplomatic solutions.

Regional powers have pushed for talks, scheduled for Friday in Oman, between Iran and the US to reach an agreement regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and prevent another escalation in the region.

Qatar and Iran share a maritime border in the Arab Gulf and the world’s largest natural gas field, the South Pars/North Dome Field.