Gulf states are taking broad steps to contain the spread of coronavirus. Dubai announced Friday that it would hold a major horse race without spectators later this month in response to the new coronavirus.
Tiny, energy-rich Qatar shut down all cinemas, theaters, museums, children's play areas, gyms and wedding halls overnight.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain released nearly 1,500 prisoners, around 900 of whom were pardoned. The move appeared aimed at preventing the virus from spreading inside detention facilities.