Saudi Arabia Has Eased Lockdown Restrictions for Residents in The Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is the latest Middle Eastern country to ease the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on its residents.

As of yesterday, April 26, all residents within the Kingdom are now subject to a curfew, which runs from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. During which time, all residents are to continue practicing social distancing and wearing face masks when out in public places. The new curfew aims to lessen the economic toll experienced as a result of the nation's coronavirus containment measures.

The strict 4-hour curfew will remain in Makkah, one of the hardest-hit urban centers in the Kingdom.

From April 29, all construction workers and contractors will resume operations, while cinemas, restaurants, and salons will remain closed until further notice.

The rule, which sees an ease in the lockdown restrictions in Saudi Arabia, will run for two weeks, with updates expected to follow shortly after.

Saudi Arabia joins the likes of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which announced that from April 24, it would be lifting some of its restrictions for residents residing in the nation.

Several of the updates include the lifting of the 24-hour lockdown ban in Dubai. Residents can now travel between the hours of 6 AM to 10 PM without applying for a permit. From 10 PM to 6 AM, UAE residents are permitted to leave their houses for medical emergencies only.

Public transport services within the UAE have also resumed operations, and residents can now exercise outside of their house, provided that they maintain a safe social distance and wear face masks. No more than three household residents can exercise at the same time. Gyms, salons, and cinemas remain closed.

Malls and restaurants within shopping malls have resumed operations, with a limit of 30 percent capacity at all times. The revised mall timings are from 12 PM to 10 PM. Offices and office buildings have also re-opened, with 30 percent of the workforce allowed to work in the office space. All employees working in the office, are required to maintain a safe social distance and are to wear face masks at all times.

For more information about the COVID-19 restrictions in the UAE, please click here.