All Countries and All Sectors

The dramatic slowdown in industrial production, energy demand and transport activity in the first quarter of 2020 has led to significantly lower levels of air pollution, sparking debate over whether the coronavirus outbreak will lead to permanent shifts in consumer and industrial behaviours that could reorient economic policy towards sustainable development goals.

Oman acted quickly to limit the spread of the virus. A range of measures were implemented, including travel restrictions on international flights and internal public transportation services, the closure of all schools, universities, malls and non-essential shops, and the suspension of prayers at mosques.

In a bid to contain the outbreak, on March 14 Senegal was the first sub-Saharan African country to close its schools. The country has also adopted a host of other measures, including travel restrictions and bans on cruise ships, public gatherings and events.

With Covid-19 restrictions leading to the closure of Dubai’s shopping malls, some major players in the emirate are turning towards online platforms to stimulate retail activity.

The global distribution of medical goods and foodstuffs has become the primary focus of efforts to keep essential supply chains open during the coronavirus pandemic.