Kuwait prepares for muted National Day celebrations - in pictures

The GCC nation's government has decided to cancel National Day & Liberation Day celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic

A girl waves the Kuwaiti flag at Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. Events to mark National Day and Liberation Day on February 25 and 26 have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. EPA

Shoppers throng Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. Kuwaiti authorities have announced the indefinite closure of land and sea borders from 24 February, to curb Covid-19 infections. EPA

Customers sit in a coffee shop at Souk Al Mubarakiya traditional market, Kuwait City, Kuwait. EPA

Customers shop at fruit stalls at Souk Al Mubarakiya in Kuwait City. Kuwait's government has cancelled National Day and Liberation Day celebrations on February 25 and 26, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. EPA

A vendor arranges fruit on display at Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. EPA

A vendor selling traditional baskets sorts his stock at Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. EPA

A date vendor stands among his wares at Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. EPA

Shoppers at Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. Under coronavirus restrictions, Kuwait's beauty salons and gymnasiums are closing, and restaurants are being limited to takeaway services. EPA

The Kuwaiti flag flying in Kuwait City. The government has cancelled events to mark National Day and Liberation Day, on February 25 and 26, to curb the spread of Covid-19. EPA

Staff and customers at the fish market in Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. EPA

Customers sit at a traditional open-air coffee shop at Kuwait City's Souk Al Mubarakiya. From 24 February, eateries will only be able to offer takeaway services, due to Covid-19 restrictions. EPA

Customers relax at a coffee shop at Kuwait City's Souk Al-Mubarakiya. EPA

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