Kuwait and Bahrain have both confirmed the first cases of coronavirus.
Health ministries of both countries confirmed that the infections - four people, including a Saudi and Bahraini national - were linked to recent travels to Iran, where the death toll from the COVID-19 has risen to 12.
Meanwhile, Iraq has shut its Safwan border crossing with Kuwait, amidst fears over the spread of coronavirus.
Australia toughens kids' social media ban
Australia said on Saturday it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a ground-breaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
Authorities investigate light aircraft crash into Beijing skyscraper
A light aircraft crash into Beijing's tallest building on Friday killed the pilot and injured 13 people who were not on board, the local government said following the unusual accident for the Chinese capital, where airspace is heavily restricted.
Strong earthquake hits Hindu Kush, shaking Afghanistan and Pakistan
A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Saturday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said, sending out tremors that could be felt from the capital Kabul across the border into neighbouring Pakistan.
US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
The US military has attacked Iran in response to an Iranian drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with each country accusing the other of violating terms of a ceasefire agreed on last week.
Bahrain condemns Iranian drone attacks on its territory
Bahrain condemned Iranian drone attacks on its territory on Saturday, asserting that the "continued attacks... at a time when regional and international efforts are moving towards de-escalation, place the sole responsibility on Tehran for undermining peace efforts".
The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the death of soldier Issa Ghuloom Al Baloushi, who passed away during a training mission in the country on Saturday.
The UAE has expressed deep concern over the continued military escalation by the two warring parties in several areas of Sudan, including El Obeid, and the impact on civilians and the worsening humanitarian situation.
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is sending humanitarian aid to people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon through the UAE Aid Agency.
