Coronavirus: Saudi citizens given 72 hours to return from the UAE or Bahrain

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates said in a statement on Tuesday that Saudi citizens who wished to return to the Kingdom have 72 hours to do so. Saudi citizens in Bahrain were also given 72 hours to return to the Kingdom.

They can return from the Emirates by land and by air through the Dubai International Airport during the next 72 hours.

The embassy advised citizens that they can go back from Dubai Airport using the Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) flights.

They can also use the land border crossing Al Batha in Saudi Arabia near UAE’s Al Ghweifat border.

Saudi citizens have also been advised to contact the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai for assistance.

Saudi Arabia has implemented a series of reforms to limit the virus’s impact on the Kingdom. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia confirmed five new cases of the virus, bringing the total number of cases to 20.

Saudi Arabia had earlier said it was suspending the entry of those coming from a number of countries affected by the coronavirus, or the entry of those who were there 14 days prior to their arrival.

Qatif was put on lockdown after eleven of the country’s cases were confirmed in the city in the Eastern Province.

Following arrivals from Iran testing positive for the virus, the Kingdom announced it would charge up to half a million Riyals to those entering the country who don’t disclose correct health-related information. It was discovered that Iran had failed to stamp some passports, allowing individuals to enter the kingdom who later tested positive.