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No iftar or suhoor buffets in restaurants and hotels in Saudi Arabia

The move came about to prevent the spread of Covid-19…

On March 25, the Saudi Ministry released a press statement announcing that iftar (breaking fast) and suhoor buffets (pre-dawn meal) will not be permitted in restaurants and hotels during the holy month of Ramadan. In addition, there will not be public iftar in mosques.

The move comes as part of precautionary and preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr holidays.

According to the relevant authorities, as quoted in the Saudi Gazette, restaurants offering takeaways and delivery will have to amend their packaging to ensure it is handled in line with food safety and hygiene practices. Moreover, outlets offering iftar pick-up services must install a drive-through system to avoid congestion for people who may be waiting before the iftar time.

Parks and playgrounds will be monitored for anyone breaking social distancing rules. There will also be a limit on the number of people allowed to gather.

The working hours of malls and shopping centres will be extended to 24 hours amid intensified supervision and compliance with preventive requirements.

The ministry will also expand the places for Eid prayers by arranging more mosques and prayer areas.

The Kingdom has only reopened cinemas, gyms and restaurant dining since March 7 after suspending all entertainment activities and events for about a month.

As of Saturday, March 27, Saudi Arabia recorded 502 new cases and six deaths, bringing the total to 387,794 cases and 6,643 deaths, with 376,558 recoveries to date.

Riyadh has topped the 200-mark for the third day in a row after many months, with 226 new cases. The capital city is followed by Makkah with 94 cases and the Eastern region with 86 new infections.

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