U.A.E. Calls on Citizens, Residents to Avoid Travel

(Bloomberg) --

The Middle East's travel and business hub called on citizens and residents to avoid travel due to the coronavirus risk. Iran reported more cases, while Bethlehem shut churches and mosques.

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Health and Prevention said people entering the country will have to undergo medical check-ups.

The U.A.E., which serves as a regional base for many international companies, is home to Emirates, the world's biggest carrier by international traffic, Etihad Airways and publicly traded Air Arabia PJSC. Emirates and Etihad have encouraged staff to take leave.

The air transport sector makes a major contribution to the U.A.E. economy, contributing an estimated $19.3 billion of gross domestic product, according to a report last year from the International Air Transport Association. It has tested 30,000 people at its border crossings for the virus.

The country, where expatriates make up about 85% of its residents, has already shut day care centers and instructed schools to close from Sunday.

Air Arabia Slumps

Shares of Sharjah-based Air Arabia extended the drop to a second week, retreating to the lowest level since early October.

Arqaam Capital this week cut Air Arabia and Kuwait's Jazeera Airways from buy to hold, saying the airlines are facing “a perfect storm.” Jazeera Airways plunged 34% this week.

New Developments

  • Infections in Iran, the epicenter of coronavirus in the Middle East, reached 3,513 with 107 deaths after 591 new cases were reported. A health ministry official said the outbreak has spread to all provinces and more than 23,000 people have been tested.
    • The nation closed schools and universities until March 20, leading into a two-week holiday for the Iranian new year.
  • The Palestinian Authority barred tourists and closed all mosques and churches in Bethlehem for the next two weeks after identifying suspected cases of coronavirus infections in a hotel.
  • Morocco's soccer associations said local club matches will be held in empty stadiums.
  • The U.A.E. suspended military training of nationals and reserve recruits.

    • Mideast, North Africa Breakdown:

    Read more:

    --With assistance from Yasna Haghdoost, Sylvia Westall and Abbas Al Lawati.

    To contact the reporter on this story: Farah Elbahrawy in Dubai at felbahrawy@bloomberg.net

    To contact the editors responsible for this story: Shaji Mathew at shajimathew@bloomberg.net, Claudia Maedler

    ©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

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