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

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

The deserted streets of Dubai with the Burj Khalifa in the background during April. EPA

Apr 06, 2020

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.

Dubai's empty roads

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Gleaming SUVs and the bright yellow school buses have been replaced by teams of municipality workers disinfecting the city as part of a disinfection programme.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