The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch-lighting ceremony will be held this week in the city of Olympia without spectators.
That's the word from Greece's Olympic Committee, who explained that the decision was taken due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Olympic torch will be lit on March 12 before a seven-day relay that will culminate with a handover ceremony in Greece on March 19.
Emergency GCC-EU meeting to discuss Iranian aggression
An emergency GCC-EU ministerial meeting is set for Thursday, March 5, bringing together foreign ministers from GCC states and the European Union.
Omani navy rescues cargo ship crew after missile strike
The Royal Navy of Oman has rescued all 24 crew members of a cargo ship after the Malta-flagged vessel was reportedly struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz.
UN 'deeply disturbed' by strike on Iran school that killed 160 children
A United Nations panel of experts said on Wednesday it was "deeply disturbed" by the deaths of children, after the bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in southern Iran, which it said killed more than 160 children, citing reports.
Saudi confirms attempted attack on oil refinery, no damage
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy has confirmed that the drone attack on Ras Tanura refinery on Wednesday morning did not cause any damages.
At least four killed in Israeli strike on building in Lebanon's Baalbek
An Israeli strike on a four-storey residential building has killed at least four people and wounded six others in the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek, with rescue teams working to pull families from beneath the rubble, state news agency NNA said on Wednesday.
The UAE is exempting fines for travellers unable to depart due to recent flight suspensions and airspace closures.
The UAE Ministry of Interior is warning the public about fraudulent emails asking recipients to complete a so-called emergency registration form to claim support, compensation or insurance.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have extended the truck movement permit until Sunday, March 8.
