Hundreds of lives have been tragically lost, and countless more injured and traumatized, after a horrific earthquake shook the land in the early morning hours on Monday, February 6 2023, near Syria’s border in south-eastern Turkey.
Government representatives from both Turkey and Syria report that the death toll has already surpassed 500, yet it is expected to continue climbing as rescue crews frantically work day and night to save those still trapped in the debris.
Devastating tremors measuring a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the area without warning while many people were still asleep in their beds, leaving behind dozens of aftershocks that can be felt throughout the region.
In response to this disaster, Turkey has declared a state of emergency across all impacted provinces. To further aid with rescue efforts, citizens are strongly encouraged to refrain from using their mobile phones so rescuers and first responders can coordinate more effectively. Millions of people spanning multiple countries including Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Israel felt the seismic waves of this devastating earthquake which originated from Gaziantep in Turkey.
The city was left unrecognizable with hundreds of buildings crumbling in its wake as a result of the powerful tremors; some structures collapsed entirely while others sustained large cracks along walls or ceilings – leaving many inhabitants homeless or injured.
It’s been reported that individuals are taking part in local relief efforts; donating food, medical supplies, and shelter for those who need it most during these difficult times. Emergency teams are also trying their best to provide psychological support for survivors who have lost family members or friends during the quake.
Here are posts as shared on official news sites online and posts on social media about the earthquake:
Hundreds dead after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria.
Qatar, and its capital city of Doha, is quickly becoming another popular Middle Eastern destination for expats. Foreign employees from all over the world go to Qatar to work in industries such as oil, information technology, and construction.
Working in Qatar may turn out to be the best move you’ve ever made. The country has a lot to offer expats, including better jobs, gorgeous tourist attractions, safe travel, and much more. It is a fantastic place to work because it offers numerous benefits such as tax-free income, a higher wage, and a multicultural environment.
Basic Guide on What You Need to Know About Living and Working in Qatar
In this guide, we provide you with a launchpad on what you need to know and do if you plan to live and work in Qatar soon. Make sure to read the rest of this guide to prepare yourself (at least mentally) for what you’ll experience living and working in Qatar:
Settling In
To ensure that you settle in properly when you first arrive, it is critical that you consider some financial factors before you fly. Consider banking; whether or not you keep your UK bank account will be determined by a variety of circumstances. You may believe that having a bank account in the UK will be beneficial for paying bills and other existing financial obligations in the UK. However, if you want to become a UK non-resident, shutting your UK bank account will be crucial in demonstrating your lack of UK ties.
Taking out an offshore bank account could be a good solution to your new banking needs. Most offshore bank accounts are ideal for expatriates. You will be able to use several currencies with an offshore bank account, which is perfect if you will still be using Sterling, possibly for existing commitments in the United Kingdom.
Another significant financial consideration is your pension. As an expat living and working in Qatar, you will be eligible to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, which is an offshore pension transfer (Qualified Overseas Pensions Schemes). The QROPS allows you to avoid purchasing a UK annuity while also providing a variety of other financial and tax advantages.
What are the Costs of Common Items in Qatar?
If you want to get an idea of how much you’ll be spending for basic commodities in Qatar (where 1 QR = USD 0.27), you may refer to this simple outline:
Pint of beer QR 20 (USD 5.49)
Six pack of beer QR 70 (USD 19.22)
Loaf of bread QR 5 (USD 1.37)
Fast-food burger QR 15 (USD 4.12)
CD QR 50 (USD 13.73)
20 cigarettes QR 6 (USD 1.65)
Cinema ticket QR 35 (USD 9.61)
DVD QR 90 (USD 24.71)
6-10 kg beef QR 30 (USD 8.24)
1 kg chicken QR 25 (USD 6.87)
1 kg of fish QR 10–40 (USD 2.75-10.98)
1 liter of milk QR 4 (USD 1.10)
1 gallon of gasoline QR 3 (USD 0.82)
takeout pizza QR 50 (USD 13.73)
kg of potatoes QR 4-5 (USD 1.10-1.37)
can of coke QR 1 (USD 0.27)
1.5 litres of water QR 2 (USD 0.55)
What You Need to Know About Employment, Work Permits and Visas
To work lawfully in Qatar, you must have residence permission. This permission will only be awarded if an employer or sponsor has offered you a position in Qatar. Your sponsor will next apply for your residency permit on your behalf. You will be subjected to medical examinations, a blood test, and the provision of a fingerprint sample in order to complete this procedure. Your new employers are likely to have a department that assists expats with these formalities in order to facilitate a smooth transition for their new employers.
Most expats who come to Qatar for work are usually hired on the condition that they have specialized talents that are not available among Qataris. You will not be able to travel to Qatar with the intention of finding work; you must first acquire a job. There are numerous online forums and businesses that promote employment for would-be expats. Women are welcome to join the ranks of Qatar’s expats, but their possibilities will be more limited than those of men; traditionally, female roles have been limited to healthcare, education, and administration.
Qatar’s Business Culture
Because Qatar is a Muslim country, its corporate culture reflects this and may be quite different from what you are used to in your home country. Although Arabic is the national language, English is commonly spoken, particularly in the corporate world; yet, if you make the effort to learn a few easy Arabic words, you will undoubtedly endear yourself to your new colleagues. The Arabs prefer to do business in a personal and friendly manner; always take the time to engage in small conversation with your new acquaintances and avoid going right into business. Little gestures like this will help you build a pleasant working relationship with the Qatar faithful. Strong eye contact is required.
When ordering business cards, have one side printed in English and the other in Arabic. There are a few other factors to consider. For example, in Arab culture, if you compliment an item possessed by another person, they may feel obligated to offer the item to you. Avoid asking about female family members and be prepared for meetings to be disturbed by personal calls; Qataris’ families will always be more important than their work arrangements.
Arab businesspeople do not place a high value on timekeeping and punctuality, but as a foreigner, you should always attempt to be on time, but don’t get irritated if you are forced to wait. Always appear patient and calm; a ten-minute meeting might easily develop into a half-hour one, and this should never be an issue.
Credits: Douglas Perkins / Flickr
Accommodations
Expat lodging in Qatar is frequently included in your employment contract, either for free or at a reduced fee. This is frequently in the shape of nice apartments in designated housing compounds that house a slew of other expats. These properties will include a gym, swimming pool, sports spaces, and children’s sections, among other amenities. They are also conveniently positioned near expatriate hotspots like schools and the city center.
Qatar has begun to encourage foreigners to buy property on its sandy landscape in recent years, with luxury new residences being built particularly for this purpose. If you buy a home in Qatar, you will be granted permanent residency. Prices vary from property to property, depending on the standard aspects such as size, facilities, and so on.
Transport
Credits: The Peninsula Qatar
Doha has recently made progress in its public transportation system; where there was once nothing, there is now a good bus service and a plethora of taxis, and there are plans to install a metro system.
Similarly to housing benefits, some organizations provide employees with free use of a company automobile, complete with a personal driver. If you own a motor vehicle that is less than five years old, you may bring it with you to Qatar. To drive in Qatar, you will, of course, require a Qatari driver’s license; however, if you already have a driver’s license from your home country, you may only need to complete a quick written test and a vision test to get it converted into a Qatari license.
Be warned that driving on Qatari roads may be a quite different experience than what you are used to back home. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in Qatar, where driving etiquette is non-existent and vehicles routinely race across the streets at dizzying speeds. The sudden presence of roving camels is also a severe impediment. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a traffic accident, you must always remain at the scene of the accident or your insurance will not reimburse you.
Healthcare in Qatar
In general, healthcare services in Qatar are of high quality. To use public services, you must have your health card, which is handed to you once you have your residency permit. You would then have access to Qatar’s National Health Service, which is quite affordable for expats and free for natives. There is also the private alternative, with rates varying depending on the procedure. Private health care is of the highest quality.
Education
There are numerous possibilities for expats traveling with children; Qatari schools have very good standards of education, but if you prefer your child to be taught their own curriculum, there are a number of great international schools. Education in Qatar consists of six years of elementary school, three years of prep school, and three years of secondary school. The secondary step is optional. If you work in Qatar’s public sector, your child will be eligible for free education in Qatari schools; nonetheless, the majority of expats prefer to send their children to international schools.
Qatar International School, Doha English Speaking School, and American School are among the most popular international schools. These schools will either follow an American or a British curriculum. Fees for these colleges might be fairly pricey, but you may find that your company covers these fees. There are also a lot of nurseries with English-speaking personnel for very young children.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Qatar, like all Arab governments, is a Muslim country, so there will be many practices and norms of conduct that are significantly different from what happens in the Wild West. Except in specially regulated pubs and restaurants located in hotels, alcohol is not permitted to drink elsewhere. Pork products are likewise prohibited. Keep public shows of affection to a minimum and be aware that homosexuality is strictly prohibited. You should always dress modestly and avoid becoming boisterous or obnoxious. Avoid using your left hand as often as possible because it is considered filthy.
These Muslim senses are amplified during the holy month of Ramadan, so always be mindful of these religious times. Qatar has more recreational options than neighboring Saudi Arabia. Sport is very important in Qatar, with numerous elite events occurring here, the most popular of which are tennis and golf. There are numerous sporting facilities where you may have fun and get some fitness. Whether it’s football, golf, tennis, swimming, or even camel racing, there’s always somewhere to try it, often right in the expat compound where you live.
Credits: Jadi / Flickr
Aside from sports, there are many other attractions to help pass the time. Just outside of Doha, there are great beaches and huge expanses of desert sand where you can take a journey with the family for some relaxing time. You can swim and even go scuba diving on the beaches.
There are various theme parks and museums in Qatar, including the National Museum of Qatar, which is full of magnificent art and historical artefacts housed in a massive Arabian palace. If that doesn’t pique their interest, take them to Aladdin’s Kingdom, a terrific theme park with roller coasters and rides for kids and people of all ages.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Middle East if there wasn’t somewhere to spend your money, so all you shopaholics will be happy to hear that Doha is packed with all the huge western shops and boutiques you might be used to, as well as traditional souks and markets.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
No matter how well one plans before relocating, there will inevitably be some hiccups along the process. While you can’t expect the shift to be without bumps, having a plan of action and the determination to meet any circumstance head-on usually helps. This article’s information should have been useful in making an informed decision about relocating to Qatar.
Indeed, living and working in a country such as Qatar can pose some challenges at the onset, but through the help of this guide, you can better navigate through the new challenges you’ll face in terms of adjusting to life in this unique Gulf country. If you would like to share some of your experiences in living and working in Qatar, feel free to leave us a comment in the section below. We’d love to hear and learn from your experiences, as well!
As all eyes are peeled for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, present alcohol rules in Qatar have been hotly contested in the worldwide media. Residents can only buy and consume alcohol with a permit under current restrictions, whereas tourists can drink at licensed restaurants and bars. Recreational drugs, on the other hand, are strictly prohibited. This approach is mainly consistent with the Islamic values that serve as the foundation of Qatar’s legal system.
In this guide, we look at Qatar’s drugs and alcohol policy, and what expats moving to the desert country need to know.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Drug and Alcohol Laws in Qatar
To date, MENA countries’ drug policies have centered on criminalizing drug possession and use (including alcohol, which is illegal in some countries in the region). In Bahrain, for example, persons who use opioids can be jailed for simply possessing needles, resulting in increased dangerous behavior among those who inject drugs. Arresting dealers and intercepting drug shipments has also been a major priority of MENA drug policies.
Drugs in Qatar
Qatar has harsh penalties for illegal drug possession, usage, and trafficking. Offenders may face long-term imprisonment and hefty penalties, followed by deportation. Fines of up to 200,000 QAR may be imposed; however, drug trafficking may result in the death penalty. When it comes to drug prohibitions in Qatar, authorities make no exceptions, and foreign embassies are often helpless to intervene on behalf of their residents.
Travelers entering the nation should anticipate their bags to be searched, though physical searches are uncommon rather than the rule. However, as is customary at most international airports, all luggage is searched at the Doha Airport Arrivals Hall.
Prescription Drugs in Qatar
In Qatar, a wide range of drugs are available without a prescription from pharmacies. Many of these may necessitate a prescription in most Western countries. In contrast, several drugs that are available without a prescription elsewhere in the world require one in Qatar. As a result, consulting with a doctor is advised.
NOTE: Antibiotics are no longer available over the counter due to new laws. Pain relievers, cough medicine, and eye drops are all frequently accessible in supermarkets and larger retailers.
IMPORTANT: Several mental health medicines, including tranquilizers, antidepressants, and several sleeping pills, are prohibited in Qatar. You may be able to receive these in extreme instances after contacting a local doctor.
So if you need to take regular drugs, keep them in their original packaging, together with any accompanying information and the doctor’s prescription. To be certain, request a note from your doctor verifying that you require these medications. Authorities often allow travelers to bring in 30 days’ worth of drugs, with any additional medication having to be obtained locally.
As a tip, remember that after visiting a licensed local medical facility, you must renew your prescriptions locally. It is also beneficial to be aware of the real contents and formula, rather than merely the brand name, as these differ from nation to country and manufacturer to manufacturer. Because many pharmacists will not take international prescriptions, you may need to renew your prescription from a local doctor.
Furthermore, passengers transiting Qatar carrying prescription medications in their hand luggage should seek assistance from their country’s embassy in Doha.
What You Need to Know About Alcohol Laws, Consumption, and Regulation in Qatar
Alcohol, like drugs, is forbidden to import into Qatar (pork products and firearms are other items on the list). It is illegal to consume alcohol or be intoxicated in public. Drunk driving, public intoxication, and other alcohol-related offenses are also taken seriously, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and even deportation.
Despite the fact that it is a societal taboo, alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and certain clubs. However, expats in Qatar should bring their Qatar ID or passport to these locations.
In line with this, with a permit, expats can also obtain alcohol. Only the Qatar Distribution Company is permitted to import and sell alcohol, and the retailer controls the country’s only liquor outlets. It also manages alcohol licenses. You will need a letter from your employer that is signed and stamped by an authorized individual in the firm to obtain one. This should include your position, basic wage, living situation, religious affiliation, and marital status. You will also need to provide copies of your valid passport and residence permit, as well as a payment. Furthermore, the minimum salary of 4,000 QAR (USD 1,078) applies.
IMPORTANT: In Qatar, Muslims are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol. Furthermore, foreign women who are married to Muslims but practice a different faith and are sponsored by their husbands are not eligible for a permit.
Image: FIFA World Cup 2022 / Twitter
What About Alcohol Laws During the FIFA World Cup 2022?
Tourists and visitors considering a trip to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be relieved to learn that alcohol regulations would be lifted during the tournament. During the tournament, beer, wine, and spirits will be available, but only in designated drinking places, not in public or on the streets.
Do note, however, that alcohol continues to be more expensive than in most other countries. Qatar slapped a 100 percent ‘sin tax’ on alcohol in January 2019, but then reduced prices by 30 percent. Despite the price drop, a case of beer in Qatar costs about $64 (or about $2.66 per beverage), according to Bloomberg. A typical hotel bar charges roughly $13.50 per pint.
For many fans, alcohol – particularly beer – remains an essential element of the World Cup experience. In fact, because supporters drank so much during the 2018 tournament, some Russian taverns ran out of beer! The four-week-long worldwide athletic extravaganza in what remains a devout Islamic country is projected to draw 1.5 million participants. Qatari authorities face a perplexing challenge in combining the expectations of that audience with their own historic values.
Being an Islamic country, Qatar holds on to certain values and restrictions on practices such as drinking and drug use, especially. But with a few exemptions, foreigners and expats, particularly those who will visit the Gulf nation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022 can avail of these products, considering proper protocols and requirements.
According to studies, the medicine works on all known variations and prevents severe sickness and death in 85 percent of early treatment cases.
Credits: RAFED_UAE / Twitter
Another First: UAE to Receive Ground-breaking COVID-19 Medication
The medication arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, becoming the UAE the world’s first recipient, the National News reported.
Sotrovimab is an intravenous-administered antibody. It is not a vaccine, but rather a treatment.
It can be used to treat adults and children over the age of 12 who meet certain conditions and are at risk of severe Covid-19 occurrences, according to protocols approved by the National Scientific Committee.
Following the European Medicines Agency’s positive scientific opinion, GlaxoSmithKline applied to the US Food and Drug Administration and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to get Sotrovimab licensed for emergency use.
Both parties agreed on it.
According to a video report by the Khaleej Times, here’s what you need to know about the new COVID-19 therapy medicine, Sotrovimab:
KT Explains: Sotrovimab new treatment for Covid-19 (1/2)
The UAE’s health ministry, on Saturday, approved the emergency use of Sotrovimab (Vir-7831), becoming the first country in the world to both licence and enable immediate patient use. pic.twitter.com/BpcHQFd3Nz
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health and healthcare procurement business Rafed have secured an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to ensure delivery as soon as June or July.
As a result, patients in the UAE will be among the world’s first to benefit from revolutionary therapy.
“We have been working very closely with the Department of Health and Rafed since the interim results of the clinical trials with Sotrovimab were available,” said Gizem Akalin, managing director of GlaxoSmithKline Gulf.
“The DoH and Rafed have been agile and passionate about accelerating patient access to promising new treatments to confront Covid-19,” he added.
Akalin stated that their collaboration with the Department of Health and Rafed is extensive, getting early access to Sotrovimab so that Abu Dhabi and the UAE residents would be among the first in the world to acquire this breakthrough treatment.
He also stated that there is a great deal of scientific and medical collaboration going on to ensure that medical teams are prepared and equipped.
“We see this close co-operation as another sign of Abu Dhabi’s rapid development as a hub for first-class treatment, medicines research, logistics and manufacturing.”
The Ministry of Health’s National Scientific Committee and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health worked on treatment processes to assist clinicians in identifying at-risk patients.
It assures that such patients, based on their risk profile and eligibility criteria, can get Sotrovimab.
“This medicine is at the forefront of pharmaceutical advancement and is a powerful tool in our fight to end this pandemic,” said Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, undersecretary for the health department.
“We look forward to implementing the eligibility criteria for emergency use of Sotrovimab as part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to lead an all-encompassing Covid-19 response in prevention, treatment and care.”
According to Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Ba’owain, Minister of Labor, there would no longer be any need for recruitment companies in providing opportunities for those who aim to work in the private sector.
Private Sector in Oman Now Allowed to Hire Employees without the Need for Recruitment Firms
Until May of this year, 4,800 workers were hired in the private sector, according to the minister, the Oman Observer reported.
He also stated that procedures for over 5,000 civil and military government employment had been completed.
Dr. Mahad stated in an interview with Oman TV that the government sector should hire depending on need.
“The National Employment Programme has been set up to help place job seekers amid the current economic downturn. The program focuses on 12 sectors,” he explained.
Prior to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Philippines sent an average of 25,000 employees to Oman each year, most of whom were domestic service workers, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. During the present health crisis, this number has shrunk to 5,000.
Saudi Arabia has announced that this year’s Hajj pilgrimage will be limited to 60,000 pilgrims. Furthermore, due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, they are all from within the kingdom. The announcement was made Saturday by the kingdom’s state-run Saudi Press Agency. The decision was made by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, according to the statement.
Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all able-bodied Muslims. During the week-long hajj, around 2.5 million pilgrims visit the holy sites of Islam in Makkah and Madinah. However, the ongoing COVID-19 spread around the world has cast a shadow over this year’s Hajj as well. The Hajj season begins in mid-July.
Credits: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah / Twitter
Hajj 2021 Still Limited to 60,000 Citizens & Residents, No Foreigners Allowed – Saudi Gov’t
The health and Hajj ministries confirmed on Saturday that 60,000 pilgrims will be able to perform the journey this year. It emphasized that anyone seeking to perform Hajj must be free of any chronic illness and be between the ages of 18 and 65 for those immunized against the virus in accordance with the kingdom’s immunization protocols, the Gulf News reported.
“In light of what the whole world is witnessing from the continuing developments of the coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of new mutations, Hajj registration will be limited to residents and citizens from inside the Kingdom only,” the Saudi Hajj ministry announced on Twitter.
Furthermore, Hajj pilgrims should be fully vaccinated, or have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior, or be immunized after recovering from coronavirus illness.
The decision is “based on the Kingdom’s persistent desire to enable guests and tourists at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to undertake the rituals of Hajj and Umrah,” according to the ministry. “The Kingdom prioritizes human health and safety.”
In last year’s Hajj, as few as 1,000 pilgrims who already lived in Saudi Arabia performed the hajj. Foreign citizens of the 160 different nationalities made up two-thirds of the population. Saudi security and medical professionals made up one-third of the total.
Among the several health rules issued last year was a prohibition on touching the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, during the Hajj. Furthermore, throughout the rites, the ministry imposed a social distancing gap of a meter and a half between each pilgrim.
60,000 vaccinated pilgrims residing in #SaudiArabia can perform Hajj this year. Decisions have been taken due to the ongoing #COVID19 pandemic for the 2nd year in a row. #Hajj2021 Ya Allah Karam farma Ameen pic.twitter.com/wmvjn8zXKc
The COVID-19 outbreak has compelled the Saudi government to take stringent measures. Muslims around the world can only pray and hope that the coronavirus situation improves before Hajj.
Bahrain stated on Sunday that it will temporarily suspend granting work permits to individuals from the red list nations in order to assist curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, according to local media.
The decision, issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, is based on the orders and recommendations of the Kingdom’s national coronavirus taskforce. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal are among the countries on the red list.
Citizens from these Countries in Bahrain’s Red List Won’t be Issued Any Work Permits
According to the new rule, the authority would temporarily halt the granting of new work permits to nationals of red-list countries who are currently residing outside of Bahrain, since the Kingdom has recently recorded a daily increase in COVID-19 instances, the Gulf News reported.
However, Bahraini citizens and residence visa holders are not affected by the ban, but will be required to undergo a PCR test before boarding a plane and will be quarantined for 10 days upon arriving, according to BNA.
Bahrain will also apply a 10-day precautionary quarantine to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals from all other countries, either at their homes or in places licensed for quarantining, according to the state news agency.
In the Kingdom, 931 new coronavirus cases and 10 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. This increases the total number of cases to 257,852 and the number of deaths to 1,206.
Bahrain acknowledged that nations on their red list are added or deleted based on a frequent review and that the list is thus updated on a regular basis.
After assessing the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Saudi Arabia will announce this year’s Hajj and Umrah preparations, acting Saudi minister of media Dr. Majid Al Qasabi told the media in Riyadh on June 6.
The existence of COVID variations, according to Dr. Al Qasabi, highlights the importance of a detailed assessment of the virus’s spread since “we don’t want this year’s Haj to be an epicentre for the spread of the disease in the Kingdom or the Muslim world.” He stated that the Hajj, Umrah, and health ministers would make a decision soon.
Saudi Arabia Reviews Plans for Hajj, Umrah this Year Amid Pandemic
Meanwhile, Eng. Hesham Abdulmonem Saeed, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Services for Haj and Umrah performers, told the media that the safe Umrah model emphasized protection by managing pilgrim crowds going to the Grand Mosque through booked time slots, as well as improving services for their personal needs using the most up-to-date modern techniques, the Khaleej Times reported.
He added that the Eatmarna app established by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) also verifies the health of permission applicants, noting that this is a cooperative effort including the governmental, private, and voluntary sectors.
He noted that the Hajj and Umrah Ministries, as well as the Ministries of Interior, Health, and the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, are working together to make Hajj and Umrah easier for pilgrims and tourists.
Only after the construction of a safe model that highlighted current technologies, including digitizing procedures to offer pilgrims with needed services through multiple options supplied by the ministry, was the Haj and gradual reintroduction of Umrah allowed in October of last year.
The Eatmarna application, which allows users to seek permission (prayer permissions, Umrah permits, and Rawdah praying permissions) at Makkah and Madinah’s mosques, is highlighted in the tech-focused models.
Around 20 million people downloaded the app, and over 30,000 people employed the services of Inaya (care) centers in Makkah and Madinah to aid pilgrims from other countries.
The Hajj and Umrah Ministry also established four transportation sites to convey worshippers and pilgrims to and from Makkah’s Grand Mosque.
International tourists arriving by air from most countries will no longer need to be quarantined if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, Saudi Arabia reported on Sunday (May 16).
Visitors from 20 other nations, including the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United Arab Emirates, are also barred from entering the kingdom as part of anti-coronavirus initiatives.
Quarantine No Longer Required for Vaccinated Travellers in Saudi Arabia
Non-Saudi tourists arriving in the kingdom by air from qualifying countries who are completely vaccinated or who have had COVID-19 and recovered will no longer be required to stay in government-approved hotels for seven days as long as they present an official vaccination certificate upon arrival, according to the civil aviation authority (GACA), the Al-Arabiya reported.
Currently, all travelers entering the kingdom must be quarantined for seven to fourteen days, depending on their origin countries, and provide negative PCR checks.
As of May 20, anyone over the age of eight who has not been vaccinated must quarantine for seven days at their own expense upon arrival in Saudi Arabia and have a negative PCR test on the sixth day of their arrival, according to GACA.
They must also present a valid health insurance policy that covers COVID-19 risks. They’ll also need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before flying to the kingdom.
Separately, the Saudi ministry of interior reported that due to COVID-19 threats, Saudi citizens are still prohibited from flying directly or indirectly to 13 countries without prior permission from authorities.
Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Belarus, and India are the countries involved.
To help combat the spread of the coronavirus, the kingdom suspended entry from 20 countries in February, with the exception of ambassadors, Saudi residents, medical professionals, and their relatives.
The Iron Dome, Israel’s anti-missile defence system, has intercepted 90% of rockets launched, minimising the severity of one of the country’s biggest attacks.
According to several sources, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted roughly 90% of the rockets launched by Hamas during the recent hostilities.
Credits: Reuters Pictures / Facebook
[WATCH] Israel’s Iron Dome Intercepts 90% of Rockets Fired, Limiting Impact of Large Attacks
According to the Israeli military, Hamas fired 1,600 rockets, the largest-ever test for the Iron Dome, which operates by shooting its own projectiles to kill incoming rockets before they land, the Business Insider reported.
The device can only track a limited number of rockets at once. Despite the recent barrage’s aggressiveness, the system seems to have held up.
According to the Associated Press (AP), 400 rockets were shot down and landed in Gaza, leaving Israel with 1,200 to intercept.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and onlookers posted videos of the airborne combat between rockets and interceptor missiles on Tuesday. Every flash of light denotes an effective intercept:
RAW FOOTAGE: This is the moment the Iron Dome intercepted a barrage of rockets over Tel Aviv and central Israel. pic.twitter.com/8jl8OTgWCl
VIDEO: Dozens of rockets fired from Gaza are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system over the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. pic.twitter.com/DbKUkpCp6u
“What you’re seeing in the sky is the algorithm,” an unnamed engineer, who worked on developing the system, told The Economist. “We’ve been constantly improving the algorithm so it can face a barrage like this.”
According to experts, the Iron Dome algorithm has been modified to counter Hamas’ attempts to overload the system with a large number of rockets.
However, it is not cheap; according to The Economist, each interceptor costs about $40,000, which is several times the cost of the simple Hamas munitions they intercept.
“When they’re firing at a big city like Tel Aviv, there’s no question: you intercept every incoming rocket,” Isaac Ben-Israel, a former major-general and weapons specialist, explained to the outlet.
“[Hamas] failed because this is specifically what the system was designed to do: deal with multiple targets, and it’s constantly been improved so it can deal with more.”
However, some rockets made it through. According to the Associated Press, the Israeli death toll had risen to seven as of early Thursday morning. According to the outlet, a six-year-old boy was among those hit by missiles.
Gaza, as an occupied territory, is much less capable of defending itself from Israeli assaults. According to the Associated Press, Israel has launched approximately 600 airstrikes into Gaza after Hamas started firing missiles.
These operations involved the destruction of two high-rise buildings allegedly housing Hamas leaders, according to Israeli authorities.
According to the Associated Press, the Gazan Health Ministry confirmed 69 people killed in the attacks as of Thursday, including 16 children and six women.
![[VIDEO] Israel’s Iron Dome Blocks 90% of Rockets Fired, Limiting Impact of One of its Largest Assaults](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/aerial-assault.jpg)