• The deserted streets of Dubai with the Burj Khalifa in the background during April. EPA
    The deserted streets of Dubai with the Burj Khalifa in the background during April. EPA
  • Authorities in Dubai announced intensified restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles during early April. Pictured, Downtown Dubai. EPA
    Authorities in Dubai announced intensified restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles during early April. Pictured, Downtown Dubai. EPA
  • A road in Dubai is devoid of movement on April 5. AFP
    A road in Dubai is devoid of movement on April 5. AFP
  • Stay Safe Stay Home message on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Stay Safe Stay Home message on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A man wearing a face mask gazes at the Dubai skyline from a window on April 5, 2020. AFP
    A man wearing a face mask gazes at the Dubai skyline from a window on April 5, 2020. AFP
  • Normally busy roads are left empty in Dubai on April 5. EPA
    Normally busy roads are left empty in Dubai on April 5. EPA
  • Dubai's streets fall silent. EPA
    Dubai's streets fall silent. EPA
  • A traffic restriction message on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A traffic restriction message on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The almost empty Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The almost empty Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The almost deserted Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. EPA
    The almost deserted Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. EPA
  • An empty car park in the Design District after Dubai imposed new restrictions on travel and shopping due to the coronavirus. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    An empty car park in the Design District after Dubai imposed new restrictions on travel and shopping due to the coronavirus. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • An empty car park in the Design District after Dubai imposed new restrictions on travel and shopping due to the coronavirus. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    An empty car park in the Design District after Dubai imposed new restrictions on travel and shopping due to the coronavirus. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A car park is shut outside Al Barsha Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A car park is shut outside Al Barsha Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A sign reading in Arabic 'stay at home' is seen on the almost empty streets of Dubai. EPA
    A sign reading in Arabic 'stay at home' is seen on the almost empty streets of Dubai. EPA
  • Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road is deserted. AFP
    Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road is deserted. AFP
  • Two people ride motorcycles on the almost empty streets of Dubai. EPA
    Two people ride motorcycles on the almost empty streets of Dubai. EPA
  • A deserted Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. EPA
    A deserted Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. EPA
  • A person wearing protective face mask during the evening in Al Furjan area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A person wearing protective face mask during the evening in Al Furjan area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Burj Khalifa without any visitors in Downtown Dubai in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Burj Khalifa without any visitors in Downtown Dubai in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • An empty road in DIFC area in Dubai on April 6. Pawan Singh / The National
    An empty road in DIFC area in Dubai on April 6. Pawan Singh / The National

Transport

Dubai's streets sit still and silent after restrictions are ramped up - in pictures

The bustling city has largely been brought to a standstill as it tackles the coronavirus

Ian Oxborrow
Ian Oxborrow

April 06, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

For residents living along Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, the constant sound of cars rushing by was typically just white noise.

Commuters heading to and from work, tourists making their way to the city's hot spots and people on business making their way to Dubai International Airport in a taxi – the main thoroughfare was constantly in motion.

Now, it largely sits silent, with a stillness punctuated only by birdsong.

New travel restrictions were imposed in Dubai on Sunday to tackle the rising number of coronavirus cases. Residents now need a permit to leave their homes.

This has left streets deserted, except for essential workers such as medical staff and delivery drivers.

Gleaming SUVs and the bright yellow school buses have been replaced by teams of municipality workers disinfecting the city as part of a disinfection programme.

The Dubai Metro has also gone quiet. The Red and Green lines were suspended and 49 stations closed until further notice. The tram was shut too.

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Essential coronavirus information

• Retain receipts to get Dubai radar fines waived

• Dubai's expanded travel restrictions explained

• Public told to wear masks at all times

• What is in the disinfection spray being used

CoronavirusUAETransport