Second wave of epidemic hits many countries in the Middle East, and spending on remote learning supplies rises

Affected by the spread of the mutated new coronavirus, the number of newly confirmed cases in many countries in the Middle East has increased significantly. Among them, Iran reported 7,922 new confirmed cases from noon on the 19th to noon on the 20th; Turkey reported 7,857 new cases on the 19th; Iraq reported 3,273 new confirmed cases on the 20th; and the UAE also reported 3,158 new confirmed cases on the 20th.

Although many countries in the Middle East have begun to inject COVID-19 vaccines, in order to control the spread of the epidemic, many places have issued epidemic prevention regulations and strengthened measures. The Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement on the 20th saying that it will extend the relevant regulations prohibiting non-Kuwaitis from entering the country. Iran said that in view of the upcoming Iranian New Year, it will focus on controlling gatherings and traffic passenger flows in the city.

The increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has sounded the alarm in many places. Several emirates in the UAE have announced that schools will resume full online learning. Last week, the Emirate of Ajman announced that schools will resume online learning on February 9, and the Emirate of Sharjah followed suit. On the 14th, the Emirate of Umm al-Quwain said that schools will also switch to online learning, but the specific time will be notified separately.

The change in the epidemic situation in the Middle East has forced students to study online at home again. Under this influence, the demand for hardware used for online learning, such as laptops, microphones, and cameras, will rise again. Talat Zaki Hafiz, an economist and member of the board of directors of the Saudi Financial Association, said : " In order to meet the demand for online learning brought about by the epidemic, Middle Eastern consumers have increased their spending on related products ." He also found that Saudi consumers' loans for education expenses increased by 29%.

In addition to students, workers will also be required to work from home. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have recently announced new office epidemic prevention measures, recommending a reduction in the number of employees working in the workplace. From February 7, Abu Dhabi's workplace capacity was reduced to 30%, and most employees returned to work from home.

As the second wave of the epidemic hits back, home learning and working, as well as lockdown measures in public places, will once again bring a boom to the Middle East e-commerce market, and sellers must seize the opportunity.

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epidemic