By Sara Al-Mukhaizeem
KUWAIT, Dec 27 (KUNA) -- The Arab Gulf region has experienced many crucial events throughout 2020, foremost the novel coronavirus pandemic which brought the whole world to a standstill.
Following are major events in the Gulf area, showing how Gulf countries confronted the pandemic, which affected life in general.
The GCC:
Feb 19: GCC health ministers declared precautionary measures at border exits of the six GCC states to cope with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) during an extraordinary meeting.
May 15: GCC ministerial committee imposed anti-dumping fees on all kinds of hydraulic cement imports from Iran for five years.
June 11: GCC education ministers hold an exceptional online meeting for the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS).
Saudi Arabia:
Jan 3: Saudi Arabia declared holders of US, British, or Schengen visas could enter Saudi Arabia after obtaining a visa at one of the airports or border exits.
Jan 4: Dakar Rally 2020 was inaugurated for the first time at the Asian level in Jeddah. Up to 556 racers from 62 countries had taken part in the rally.
Jan 7: Saudi security personnel detained a top notorious terrorist in Al-Qatif. He was charged with killing a judge, looting, and shooting security men.
Feb 5: The Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) posted USD-129-million-worth of net profits in the fiscal year that ended in late December 2019, at a growth rate of 46 percent.
Feb 22: Saudi Arabia suspended travels to Iran as a precaution against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Feb 25: A Royal Order dismissed Minister of Civil Service Suleiman Al-Hamdan and Information Minister Rurki Al-Shabanah. It also merged the ministry of civil service with the ministry of justice and social development and named it the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Moreover, the Ministry of Commerce and Investment was named as the Ministry of Commerce.
Feb 25: A Royal Order named the Public Investment Authority as the Ministry of Investments and the Public Sports Authority as the Ministry of Sports. Moreover, the Public Tourism Authority and National Heritage was renamed the Ministry of Tourism.
Feb 25: A Royal Order named Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki as bin Faisal as Minister of Sports and Ahmad Al-Khatib as Minister of Tourism and Khaled Al-Faleh as Minister of Investments.
Feb 28: Saudi Arabia suspended entry of GCC countries' citizens to Makkah and Madina.
March 2: Saudi Arabia declared the first infection case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It was of an incoming Iranian national.
March 4: In a temporarily measure, Saudi Arabia suspended Umra for citizens and residents in line with a recommendation by the supreme commission for follow-up on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
March 7: Saudi Ministry of Health called on arrivals from Italy, South Korea, Egypt, and Lebanon to isolate themselves at home for two weeks as of the date of their arrival in the country.
March 7: Saudi Ministry of Education declared suspension of studies in the eastern Al-Qatif region for two weeks.
March 7: The general chairman of Al-Masjid Al-Haram and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, Dr. Abdurahman Al-Sodais, declared a Royal Order allowing worshippers who were not performing Umra to circle Al-Kaaba.
March 7: Saudi Ministry of Sports declared suspending indefinitely fans' attendance of all sports activities.
March 8: Saudi Ministry of Education indefinitely suspended teaching in all regions and provinces as part of the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
March 9: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz donated USD 10 million for the World Health Organization for combating the novel coronavirus.
March 11: Saudi Ministry of Health declared the first recovery cases from the novel coronavirus.
March 12: Saudi Arabia declared suspending travels by citizens and residents in addition to halting flights to countries where the novel coronavirus spread.
March 14: Saudi Arabia declared suspending air flights for two weeks; exempting extraordinary cases.
March 15: Saudi Arabia suspended in a temporary manner marine voyages to a number of countries, exempting shipping, in a measure against the pandemic.
March 15: Saudi Arabia declared civil servants' show up at workplaces for 16 days, excluding health, security, military, and e-security.
March 20: Saudi Arabia suspended internal air flights, impounded buses, taxicabs, and trains for 14 days to stem the spread of the contagion.
March 23: Saudi Ministry of Interior imposed a USD 27,000 fine on violators of a curfew. The fine could be doubled if the offense repeated.
March 24: Saudi Arabia declared the first death with the pandemic. It was of an Afghan resident.
March 30: Saudi Ministry of Interior declared enforcement of additional precautionary measures, extending the curfew in some residential districts in Makkah.
April 2: Saudi Interior Ministry announces a complete curfew in all parts of the two holy cities of Makkah and Madina until further notice.
April 3: Saudi Arabia's King Salman ordered payment of SAR nine billion in financial support to over 1.2 million citizens working in the private sector facilities, which are hit by the rapid spread of coronavirus.
April 6: Saudi Interior Ministry announced a complete curfew Jeddah, Taif, Qatif, Khobar, Riyadh, Tabook, Dammam, Dhahran, and Al-Hafof until further notice.
April 11: Saudi Arabia announced USD 25 million to support the Yamani government's efforts to confront the new Coronavirus pandemic.
April 15: Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz approved a package of additional initiatives to mitigate impacts of Coronavirus on economic activities and the private sector.
April 16: Saudi Minister of Education issued a decision to transfer all male and female students of general education to the grades that follow their current classes.
April 16: Saudi Arabia announces a USD-500-million contribution to support international efforts to face Coronavirus.
April 21: Saudi Interior Ministry announced curfew hours change during the holy month of Ramadan between 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
April 22: The General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques approved the performance of the Tahajjud and Taraweeh prayers with the suspension of attendance of worshipers to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
April 26: Saudi Arabia signed a USD-265.3-million contract with China to conduct nine million tests for COVID-19.
April 26: Saudi Arabia partially lifted coronavirus curfew nationwide, with the exception of Makkah and previously isolated neighborhoods.
May 7: Saudi Interior Ministry approved a list of rules on limiting gatherings, and classify violations as part of the government's efforts to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus nationwide.
May 23: A complete curfew starts in all cities and provinces of the Kingdom until May 27.
May 28: Saudi government changes hours of the curfew in the entire Kingdom's cities starting from 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. until May 30.
May 31: All government agencies and their affiliates resumed work remotely with 50 percent of its employees.
May 31: General Authority for Civil Aviation resumed domestic flights through national airlines.
June 2: An online Yemen Pledging Conference -- co-organized by Saudi Arabia -- collected USD 1.350 billion to support the Yemeni people.
June 4: Foreign Ministry allocated USD 150 million for the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) to contribute to the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
June 17: Saudi Arabia's giant Aramco bought 70 percent of SABIC in a USD-69.1-billion in mega-deal.
June 21: Saudi Arabia lifted its nationwide curfew resumed economic and commercial activities.
June 23: Saudi lifted the suspension of sports activities, allowing all clubs to resume practices.
June 23: Saudi Arabia to hold Hajj with limit the number of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia only for those under 65 years old, who do not suffer from any chronic diseases.
July 29: Saudi Arabia offered a new mechanism for the Yemeni government and the southern transitional council to accelerate the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, including the extension of the ceasefire that entered force on June 22.
July 30: King Salman bin Abdulaziz was discharged from King Faisal Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove the bladder.
Aug 4: Saudi Arabia allowed entry of trucks coming from GCC countries.
Aug 30: The Kingdom began a seven-week online public education.
Aug 30: Saudi Arabia announced the discovery of oil and gas fields in the north.
Sept 13: Riyadh said citizens could travel starting January 1, 2021.
Sept 23: Saudi Arabia allowed Muslims to perform Umra starting October 4 within precautionary health measures.
Sept 27: ARAMCO exported the first high-quality Blue Ammonia to Japan.
Oct 15: Arab coalition said 19 coalition prisoners -- 15 Saudis and four Sudanese -- returned to King Salman Airbase as part of the first phase of prisoners' exchange between the Yemeni government and Houthi militias.
Oct 18: Saudi authorities allowed the public inside the Kingdom to pray in the holy mosque in Makkah ending a seven-month suspension due to the coronavirus.
Nov 12: Saudi Embassy in the Netherlands said the mission in the Hague was attacked but no one was injured.
Nov 22: G20 leaders, meeting under Saudi presidency called for coordination of international efforts and solidarity to confront challenges.
Nov 23: Saudi Arabia said Houthis attacked a fuel distribution center in northern Jeddah causing fire in one of the tanks. No one was hurt.
Dec 14: Ministry of Energy said an oil tanker docked in Jeddah was attacked by a booby-trapped boat causing limited fire. No one was hurt.
Dec 15: King Salman announced projected spending in 2021 budget would be 900 billion riyals (USD 264 billion) and revenues at 849 billion riyals (USD 226.4 billion), with an estimated deficit of 141 billion riyals (USD 37.6 billion), or 4.9 percent of GDP.
Dec 20: Ministry of Interior suspended air trafic for a week following discovery of a mutated Covid-19 virus.
The Kingdom of Bahrain:
Jan 2: King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa appointed Dr. Abdulatif Al-Zayani as Minister of Foreign Affairs upon the end of his tenure as GCC Secretary-General.
Feb 24: Bahrain declared the first infection case with the novel coronavirus. It was of an incoming Iranian.
Feb 25: Ministry of Education suspended teaching for two weeks as a precaution against COVID-19.
March 16: Bahrain declared the first death with the pandemic. It was of a female citizen, aged 65. The deceased has suffered from chronic diseases.
March 17: Bahrain declared the extension of studies' suspension indefinitely after a two-week halt as of the 25th of the past month.
March 23: Bahrain indefinitely stopped group prayers and Friday prayers at mosques.
April 20: Bahraini government reduces the spending of ministries and government agencies by 30 percent as part of the measures to help confront the impact of the new Coronavirus pandemic.
Aug 20: Bahrain cancels home quarantine condition for travelers but said would continue testing.
Sept 29: The Kingdom announced three-day mourning and flags to be flown at half-mast following the passing away of Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Nov 11: The Royal Court announced the passing away of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, and King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa appointed Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa as Prime Minister.
Nov 29: Formula 1 Mercedes Team lead driver Lewis Hamilton won Bahrain's race in 2020.
The State of Qatar:
Jan 28: Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad appointed Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa as Prime Minister.
Feb 18: Qatar declared the first coronavirus infection case.
March 9: Qatar halted until further notice classes at schools and colleges as part of the fight against COVID-19.
March 9: Qatar banned the entry of citizens from a number of countries due to the coronavirus.
March 12: Qatar discharged the first batch of citizens from quarantines, after they were evacuated from Iran two weeks earlier due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
March 13: Qatari Amir ordered urgent aid for Iran to help in coping with the coronavirus spread.
March 14: Qatari Ministry of Health recovery of the first four coronavirus cases.
March 15: Qatar halted all incoming air flights and studies of all levels for 14 days as a precaution against COVID-19.
March 28: Qatar declared its first death with the coronavirus. He was identified as a 57-year-old Bangladeshi.
April 5: Qatar Bank for Investment launches National Insurance program to offer guarantees for local banks to give profit-free loans to companies hit by the Coronavirus.
May 19: Qatar announces closure of shops and suspends all commercial activities until May 30.
June 14: Qatar allows commercial centers and shopping malls to work during weekdays from 08:00 a.m. until 08:00 p.m. with and close on Friday and Saturday.
June 15: Qatar begins the first phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus.
July 15: Qatar announced the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be held between November 21 and December 18.
Aug 30: Qatar said the minimum wage of workers and domestic helpers would be USD 275, a housing allowance of USD 140, and a food allowance of USD 85.
Sept 1: Qatar decided to reopen Public and private schools on September 20.
Sept 12: The Public Works Authority announced the opening of the first phase of Sabah Al-Ahmad project, which linked the north and south of the country through Doha.
Sept 29: Qatar announced official mourning with flags flown at half-mast following the death of Amir of Kuwait.
Dec 8: Qatar announces readiness of four stadiums to host matches of FIFA 2022 World Cup. Seven out of eight stadiums are ready now.
Dec 18: Qatar Central Bank issued a new banknote with new security features.
Dec. 19: South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai won the AFC Champions League after beating Iran's Persepolis 2-1 in a clash held in Doha.
The United Arab Emirates:
Jan.14: The UAE and Japan inked a cooperation agreement for the storage of more than 8.1 million barrels of crude oil at Japanese sites.
Jan 29: The UAE declared the first coronavirus infection case.
Feb 9: The UAE declared the first recovery cases of the novel coronavirus.
Feb 17: The UAE nuclear authority declared issuing the operating permit for the first unit of Barakah nuclear plant.
Feb 25: The UAE suspended incoming and outgoing flights with Iran to stem the coronavirus.
March 3: The UAE declared the closure of all schools for a month as part of combating COVID-19.
March 14: The UAE central bank adopted a USD 27 billion economic back-up plan.
March 16: The UAE suspended prayers at mosques and other worship places delayed weddings and social occasions for a month.
March 20: The UAE declared the death of two coronavirus-infected patients; an Arab and an Asian.
May 4: (Expo Dubai 2020) postponed for one year because of the spread of coronavirus, it will be held in October 2021 until April 2022.
May 31: All ministries and government bodies resumed work with 30 percent of the total number of employees.
June 18: Dubai resumed work in a new set of economic and service activities.
June 23: UAE allowed citizens and residents to travel to specific destinations within the preventive measures followed to confront the emerging coronavirus.
June 23: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a USD 20 billion investment agreement in energy infrastructure assets with a consortium of major international investors.
July 20: A rocket carrying UAE's Hope Orbiter took off from Japan in a mission due to last seven months for the exploration of Mars.
Aug 1: UAE began operation of the first phase of Barraka nuclear reactor.
Sept 29: UAE announced official mourning and flags hoisted at half-mast following Kuwait Amir's death.
Oct 1: Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain Emirate Sheikh Saud Al-Mu'alla changed a street's name into Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Road after late Kuwait's Amir.
Oct 20: Ibrahim Al-Abed, Advisor of UAE's National Media Council and former WAM news agency's director general passed away. He was 78.
Nov 22: UAE announced new oil discoveries with an amount estimated at 22 billion barrels of unconventional oil and a billion barrels of conventional oil.
Nov 23: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan signed a decree to allow foreign businesspeople and investors to establish and fully own companies.
Dec 2: UAE launches Falcon Eye II Satellite from France's Guiana Space Centre, with 10-year orbiting mission.
Dec 13: Red Bull's Max Verstappen won Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the last race of the season.
Sultanate of Oman:
Jan 11: Oman announces death of Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed, an official three-day mourning and lowering flags at half mast for 40 days.
Jan 11: Oman's Defense Council announced Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimur as Sultan in line with a will of Sultan Qaboos.
Feb 24: Oman announced the first coronavirus cases of two citizens coming from Iran.
Feb 29: Oman announced the first Covid-19 recovery.
March 14: Oman suspen studying for a month as part of measures to stem spread of coronavirus.
March 17: Muscat said only Omani citizens were allowed to enter the country but would not be allowed to leave.
March 24: Oman announced suspension of domestic and international flights.
March 31: The sultunate cut number of employees in government institutions.
June 9: Omani authorities announced the lockdown of governorates of Dhaffar, Green Mountain, Jebel Shams, Masira and prevent all touristic activities until July 3rd to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
July 25: Oman imposed a lockdown between 07:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. until August 8.
Sept 29: Oman announced the official mourning and flags being flown at half-mast after Kuwait Amir's death.
Oct 9: Oman imposed a full curfew between 08:00 p.m. and 05:00 a.m. on October 11-24 in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Dec 16: Olympic Council of Asia announced, in its meeting in Muscat, that Doha would host the Asian Olympic games in 2020 and Riyadh in 2034.
Dec. 21: Oman said borders would be closed for a week starting December 22.
Yemen:
Jan 7: Official spokesman of "Al-Dale' military axis" declared the death of nine Yemeni soldiers in a missile attack carried out by the Houthi militias on a base of the Yemeni Army in Al-Dale' in central Yemen.
Feb 15: Yemeni government and Houthi militia reached an agreement to exchange prisoners in line with the Stockholm agreement.
March 22: Yemen suspended prayers at mosques until further notice due to coronavirus.
April 9: The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen declared a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen for a period of two weeks.
April 10: Yemen reported the first case of infection with Coronavirus belongs to a foreign man who works in Hadramout eastern Yemen.
April 21: The Yemeni government declared the temporary capital, Aden, afflicted city after being lashed by heavy rain and storm.
April 25: The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen extended a nationwide ceasefire for one month.
April 27: Yemen announced the recovery of the only case of Coronavirus in the country.
April 30: Yemeni Health Ministry recorded the first two deaths of the Coronavirus in the country.
May 11: Yemen declared the capital Aden registered 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 including four deaths.
June 1: Yemen warns of a possible leak of more than one million gallons of crude oil in the red sea after Houthi militia refused to maintain a floating oil tank that was about to explode, causing the largest environmental disaster in the world.
July 29: President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi ordered Prime Minister Mueen Abdulmalek to form a new government while the southern transitional council abandoned a self-rule plan.
Aug 3: Yemen said 17 people died in floods caused by heavy rain in the central governorate of Maarib.
Dec 18: President Hadi announced formation of a new 24-member government headed by Prime Minister Mueen Abdulmalek. (end) sm.eng