Saudi Arabians are now allowed to use the King Fahd Causeway to return home, the Saudi embassy in Bahrain said on Wednesday.
Citizens will not have to obtain approval to re-enter.
"Starting today, the embassy in Manama would like to announce the possibility of the return of Saudi citizens in the Kingdom of Bahrain who wish to return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via King Fahd Bridge without prior permission, " the embassy in Manama said on Twitter. It said Saudi nationals would be required to follow the government's coronavirus containment measures once in the kingdom, including a quarantine.
The causeway closed when borders on both sides shut on March 7 as coronavirus began to take hold and nations around the world scrambled to limit the numbers of people coming in from abroad.
Since then, no passenger traffic has crossed the bridge, but cargo vehicles still made the journey to make deliveries under certain conditions.
The causeway is a vital route for the small island kingdom. Of the 11.1 million tourists who entered Bahrain last year, 9.7 million – 88 per cent – travelled across the bridge.
During the closure – the first time the bridge has been shut for a prolonged period since it opened in 1986 – major upgrades have been made.
New customs gates and e-payment lanes will increase traffic capacity by 45 per cent, officials said.
The embassy also announced on Wednesday that Saudis travelling into Bahrain by air must quarantine for 10 days.
Both nations took swift action to stem the spread of the virus. Saudi Arabia confirmed 2331 new cases of the virus on Wednesday, bringing its tally to 258,156 and fatalities to 2,601.
Bahrain confirmed 321 new cases of Covid-19. Among these 162 were expatriate workers and the rest were secondary contacts. The country also reported a overnight death toll of 130.
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
