Dubai was almost unrecognizable on Sunday.
On a winter weekend – peak tourist season – the city’s beaches, malls and hotel brunches would normally be full. Instead, highways were largely empty and the sky was clear of the constant stream of arriving and departing aircraft. Dubai Marine, normally filled with yachts and boat parties, sat unsually still.
For many residents, it felt like a return to the Covid-19 lockdowns six years ago, when one of the world’s busiest transit hubs abruptly fell silent. Schools in the city have once again shifted online, and families are staying indoors.
“We feel like it’s Covid days. Quiet, sunny, birds chirping and no sounds of traffic or planes flying,” said Paul Devitt, a CNN videographer in Abu Dhabi.
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Some residents made quick trips to supermarkets to stock up. Grocery delivery apps reported delays as demand surged. In neighborhoods that are usually crowded well into the evening, streets were empty.
