The first Friday morning rush hour on Hessa Street in Dubai. Some congestion was reported on this commuter hotspot, but overall roads were clear across much of the UAE. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The quiet start to Friday suggested that many people continue to work and study from home, amid the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the UAE.
Morning traffic in Dubai. This year, the UAE working week has changed from Sunday-to-Thursday to Monday-to-Friday.
Roads remained relatively quiet during the morning rush hour, as residents completed the first full new-look working week.
Strict return-to-work policies requiring some workers to have a negative PCR test result to work from the office could have contributed to less traffic.
Under the new arrangements, most federal government employees will have to be in their offices from 7.30am to noon on Fridays. Most private companies will also require employees to come to the office.
A busy junction on Umm Suqeim Street, Dubai, on the first Friday rush hour.
