Saudi Arabia to ease coronavirus restrictions on Thursday

FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP

Saudi Arabia will begin easing lockdown measures on Thursday, more than two months after they were introduced to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

That's according to the state news agency SPA, which said restrictions will be lifted in three phases with curfew completely removed from all locations, except Mecca, from June 21.

During the first phase, which runs from Thursday, May 28, to Sunday, May 31, movement will be allowed between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm. After which, it'll fall between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm.

Wholesale and retail shops and malls will be allowed to operate, as well as cafes.

However, beauty salons, barbershops, sports and health clubs, recreational centers and cinemas will remain closed.

Umrah pilgrimage and international flights will continue to remain suspended, until further review.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

  • The Night Shift with Mark Lloyd

    8:00pm - 11:00pm

    Musicians and music, entertainers and entertainment, industry gossip and songs selected by you, get ready to bring your night time to life! Every evening from eight, Mark Lloyd brings you an energetic mix of local and international content and contests, featuring an array of celebrity interviews and entertaining anecdotes. Get involved in the show and pick your favourite jukebox hits, every night from 8pm - 11pm.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.