It is the first case of the COVID-19 variant detected in a Gulf nation.

Saudi Health Ministry Wednesday reported the first case of the new COVID-19 strain Omicron in a citizen returning from a North African country, reports Gulf News.

An official source at the ministry told the newspaper the infected citizen and those who have come into contact with him have been isolated.

The source urged all members of society to quickly get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and strictly comply with health precautions.

Saudi Arabia had earlier suspended flights with 14 African countries to prevent the strain from entering the nation.