The following six points in the Qatar crisis are the latest and most relevant to GCC residents.
Published: Sun 11 Jun 2017, 11:35 AM
Updated: Sun 11 Jun 2017, 2:47 PM
It has been a few days since Gulf peers Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, along with several Arab and likeminded countries, decided to sever ties with Qatar because it has been creating instability in the region by funding and backing terror outfits and radical groups.
In this time, developments have been ongoing rapidly, with Arab countries taking steps to secure the Gulf region from militant threats and those that fund them.
While there remains a long history behind the steps that the UAE, Saudi, Bahrain and others have taken, the following six points in the Qatar crisis are the latest and most relevant to GCC residents.
UAE to freeze bank accounts of terrorists, terror organisations
The UAE has announced in a circular that it will freeze the accounts of the sanctioned individuals and groups. These include accounts in banks such as Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Barwa Bank, Masraf al Rayan, Qatar National Bank and Doha Bank. For the complete list of individuals and entities, click here.
International response
US President Donald Trump has "scolded" Qatar and asked it to stop funding terrorists. The Indian Embassy meanwhile issued an advisory assuring Indian expats in Qatar on their safety. The Philippines on the other hand allowed workers to return to Qatar after barring them from the country.
Flights and airspace changes
UAE and Saudi airspace are closed for flights going to or from Qatar. Some flights will be flying alternative routes which are poised to be longer and more expensive. Qatar Airways offices in the UAE and Saudi have been closed down. Territorial waters have also been closed off.
Visas
Qatari nationals are not eligible for visa on arrival in UAE. Qatari tourists and nationals staying in the UAE are also advised to leave the country within 14 days. Qatari expats too are no longer being extended the visa on arrival facility by UAE, Saudi and Bahrain.
Fines
Massive fines and jail terms await those who are found to be sympathising with Qatar over the ongoing crisis. Both UAE and Bahrain have issued advisories to their residents.
Television
Qatari networks such as beIN Sports and Al Jazeera have been blocked. UAE has blocked access to both channels whilst, Bahrain and Egypt have blocked Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia has closed the Al Jazeera office in the country.
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