• On April 26, it will be one year since the Covid-19 lockdown in Naif, one of Dubai's oldest districts, was lifted. 'The National' visited the neighbourhood to see how residents and businesses are faring. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National
    On April 26, it will be one year since the Covid-19 lockdown in Naif, one of Dubai's oldest districts, was lifted. 'The National' visited the neighbourhood to see how residents and businesses are faring. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National
  • Residents were under strict stay-home orders from March 31 until April 26 of last year to control the spread of Covid-19. Authorities carried out mass testing and a sanitisation operation in the area
    Residents were under strict stay-home orders from March 31 until April 26 of last year to control the spread of Covid-19. Authorities carried out mass testing and a sanitisation operation in the area
  • Shop owners said their businesses would pick up once more tourists start visiting the area. Naif is one of the oldest commercial districts of Dubai and used to be packed with tourists before the pandemic
    Shop owners said their businesses would pick up once more tourists start visiting the area. Naif is one of the oldest commercial districts of Dubai and used to be packed with tourists before the pandemic
  • Now, the streets mostly consist of local residents
    Now, the streets mostly consist of local residents
  • Fawaz Bello, from Nigeria, was one of the thousands of people affected by the lockdown last year. He lives and works in the area and said life is slowly returning to normal for him
    Fawaz Bello, from Nigeria, was one of the thousands of people affected by the lockdown last year. He lives and works in the area and said life is slowly returning to normal for him
  • Businesses that have been operating for a long time in Naif are fairing well through a loyal local customer base. The Khan Shoes Repairing and Polishing store has been in the area since 1971. Amanullah Khan, pictured, said they are managing to keep their business afloat through long-time local customers who support them
    Businesses that have been operating for a long time in Naif are fairing well through a loyal local customer base. The Khan Shoes Repairing and Polishing store has been in the area since 1971. Amanullah Khan, pictured, said they are managing to keep their business afloat through long-time local customers who support them
  • However, newer businesses in the area are waiting for a tourist influx to increase sales. Moidu Parlat bought his shop four months ago and is trying hard to make ends meet, as business is slow
    However, newer businesses in the area are waiting for a tourist influx to increase sales. Moidu Parlat bought his shop four months ago and is trying hard to make ends meet, as business is slow
  • Across the road from streets packed with hundreds of shops, there is a waterway in Naif where large dhow and small abra owners operate their businesses. Owners of dhows are attracting customers with attractive deals on dinner cruises
    Across the road from streets packed with hundreds of shops, there is a waterway in Naif where large dhow and small abra owners operate their businesses. Owners of dhows are attracting customers with attractive deals on dinner cruises
  • Another large dhow in Naif
    Another large dhow in Naif
  • Small boat owners, however, are still trying to get back on their feet. Mohammed Akram is seen here waiting for customers who would want to use his boat for a sightseeing trip
    Small boat owners, however, are still trying to get back on their feet. Mohammed Akram is seen here waiting for customers who would want to use his boat for a sightseeing trip

One year after lockdown: how Dubai's Naif community is striving to get back to normal


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

One year ago, Fawaz Bello was confined to his small apartment in Naif as authorities carried out a mass Covid-19 testing and cleaning drive in one of Dubai's oldest districts.

The densely populated area was put under a strict four-week-long lockdown from March 31 to April 26 to curb the spread of the virus.

Today, almost a year after since the 24-hour movement restrictions were lifted, Mr Bello can reflect on the challenges faced by the neighbourhood and look forward to better times.

Mr Bello, 37, was among thousands who were affected by the lockdown in Naif and the adjacent Al Ras.

“Last year, it was very tough,” said Mr Bello, from Nigeria.

“We couldn’t go out but for good reasons so authorities could sanitise the area and test everyone.”

The National visited Naif to see how businesses and residents were faring.

Life is getting back to normal

Fawaz Bello during the interview in Naif area in Deira Dubai during the evening on April 21, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Sarwat Nasir
Fawaz Bello during the interview in Naif area in Deira Dubai during the evening on April 21, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Sarwat Nasir

Before the pandemic struck, tourists flocked to the neighbourhood for a flavour of old Dubai and to haggle for a bargain in the many  shops which provide its unique character.

In the Covid-19 age, as with much of the rest of the world, the scene is more muted with the narrow streets of Naif now populated mostly by its residents.

“There are a lot of businesses here that have closed down and there aren’t as many tourists as there used to be,” said Mr Bello, who lives and works in the area, earning Dh3,000 per month at a logistics firm.

“But the situation is still better now as compared to how it was one year ago when the lockdown was in place.

“Back then, I had to use my savings to send my family back home money because I wasn’t being paid on time. I spent a lot of time reading the Quran because it was also Ramadan during the lockdown, which was one of the good things for me.

“Now, I feel like life is 60 per cent back to normal for me. I am able to go out and move around freely. We are much safer here as compared to some other parts of the world during these tough times.”

Some business owners who spoke to The National said the return of more tourists in the area would help boost sales, while others that have been in the district for decades said they were "comfortable in the current situation".

Shop owner thankful for loyal customers

Khan shoes shop in Deira Dubai during the evening on April 21, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Sarwat Nasir
Khan shoes shop in Deira Dubai during the evening on April 21, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Sarwat Nasir

Amanullah Khan runs a small shoe repairing shop that has been operating in Dubai since 1971.

His father moved from Pakistan to the UAE decades ago to start the business, which Mr Khan said was thriving before the Coronavirus outbreak, but is still “doing well” at the moment.

“Last year, there was obviously no business. Everything was closed,” he said.

“But, now, things are slowly starting to get better. Our business has a good reputation and we have a lot of loyal customers who live in the neighbourhood.”

Mohammed Akram, 47, owns a small boat, which he uses to offer customers a sightseeing trip.

“I bought this boat four months before the virus hit,” he said. “Then, when we heard the lockdown was about to happen, I was able to get a flight back to Pakistan just a day before everything closed.”

Mr Akram said he earned Dh9,000 in the first four months of business, but business has slowed of late.

Traders optimistic for future

Moidu Parlat outside his shop in Naif area in Deira Dubai during the evening on April 21, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Sarwat Nasir
Moidu Parlat outside his shop in Naif area in Deira Dubai during the evening on April 21, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Sarwat Nasir

Moidu Parlot, 58, opened his shop in Naif only four months ago, but has lived there for several years and currently shares a one-bedroom apartment with seven people.

“I was working as a warehouse manager before, but was fired after the virus started. I was in India when the lockdown here happened,” he said.

“I opened this shop a few months ago. Business will be better when tourists start coming again, but, for now, we have to hope a lot of residents here would help increase our sales.”

Across the road from streets packed with hundreds of shops, there is a waterway where large dhow and small abra owners operate their businesses.

While some dhow owners are doing well after introducing attractive deals on dinner cruises, others, including small boat operators, are waiting for business to pick up.

Life in lockdown in Naif and Al Ras in 2020:

  • Crowds line the streets as a parade of police cars and taxis enter Al Ras and Naif on Sunday night. Officials played the national anthem and thanked residents for their cooperation after an almost month-long lockdown. The National
    Crowds line the streets as a parade of police cars and taxis enter Al Ras and Naif on Sunday night. Officials played the national anthem and thanked residents for their cooperation after an almost month-long lockdown. The National
  • Residents have been confined to their homes for 24-hours per day since March 31. The densely populated area, in which a dozen or more people often share an apartment, was judged by the authorities to be high risk
    Residents have been confined to their homes for 24-hours per day since March 31. The densely populated area, in which a dozen or more people often share an apartment, was judged by the authorities to be high risk
  • A parade of emergency service vehicles enters the area as residents are allowed to leave their homes on Sunday night
    A parade of emergency service vehicles enters the area as residents are allowed to leave their homes on Sunday night
  • Mounted police on the streets as barricades are lifted
    Mounted police on the streets as barricades are lifted
  • A pedestrian walks past barricades on Baniyas Road just hours before the 24-hour stay-home order was lifted in Al Ras and Naif on Sunday night. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
    A pedestrian walks past barricades on Baniyas Road just hours before the 24-hour stay-home order was lifted in Al Ras and Naif on Sunday night. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Dubai's Al Ras neighbourhood was on lockdown for almost a month
    Dubai's Al Ras neighbourhood was on lockdown for almost a month
  • About 6,000 residents were tested in the area and officials have not diagnosed a new case in two days
    About 6,000 residents were tested in the area and officials have not diagnosed a new case in two days
  • The area is normally bustling with tourists in April
    The area is normally bustling with tourists in April
  • The nearby cruise ship terminal that welcomes almost a million passengers each year has been closed for two months
    The nearby cruise ship terminal that welcomes almost a million passengers each year has been closed for two months
  • Baniyas Street is normally one of the busiest in the old town
    Baniyas Street is normally one of the busiest in the old town
  • Barricades were lifted later on Sunday night allowing residents to leave their homes following a 24-hour stay-home order for the past month
    Barricades were lifted later on Sunday night allowing residents to leave their homes following a 24-hour stay-home order for the past month
  • Residents can leave the area for essential shopping and exercise but must be at home from 10pm to 6am
    Residents can leave the area for essential shopping and exercise but must be at home from 10pm to 6am
  • Abandoned cars on Baniyas road near the cordoned entrance to the quarantined area
    Abandoned cars on Baniyas road near the cordoned entrance to the quarantined area
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

MATHC INFO

England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)

New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)

In The Heights

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda

Rating: ****

Results

2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar

3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar

4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash

4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash

5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy

Match info

Wolves 0

Arsenal 2 (Saka 43', Lacazette 85')

Man of the match: Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to help

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Profile of Tamatem

Date started: March 2013

Founder: Hussam Hammo

Based: Amman, Jordan

Employees: 55

Funding: $6m

Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media

if you go

The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip 
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles. 

Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.

He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)

Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)

Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)

Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)

It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times

If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.

A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.

The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.

In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.

The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.

Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.

Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.

“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.

The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.

“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.

“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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Martin Sabbagh profile

Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East

In the role: Since January 2015

Lives: In the UAE

Background: M&A, investment banking

Studied: Corporate finance