MALL STORY : A near-empty Dubai Mall on March 23, 2020, after leisure attractions, public parks, gyms and other venues across the UAE were closed as part of the battle against the coronavirus.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
PARKING ZONE : The reduced space at the parking lot in Deira City Centre, Dubai, after malls partially reopened at 30 per cent capacity with COVID-19 precautions.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
MALL PROTOCOL : Restrictions on the movement of people were eased on April 23, 2020, which allowed the partial opening of malls and shopping centres.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
STAIRWAY TO SHOPPING : As a precaution, residents were discouraged from non-essential mall visits, while malls were given strict guidelines.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
RETURN OF THE TOURISTS : When Dubai reopened for business, the safety practices attracted tourists, who started returning in July 2020.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
LEAPING DOLPHINS : The Dolphinarium in Dubai enhanced its hygiene practices and introduced safety protocols when it reopened to the public last year.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
FOOD CHAIN : In June 2020, Dubai restaurants reopened with limited capacity for diners, and it was later raised to 60 per cent.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
PUMPING IRON : Gyms reopened in Dubai at 50 per cent capacity with stringent COVID safety protocols.
Clint Egbert/Gulf News
MOVIE MAGIC : The reopening of cinemas brought joy to entertainment-starved residents of the UAE after restrictions on movement kept them indoors.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
LIVE SHOW : Visitors watch a performance at a mall during the Dubai Shopping Festival which ran from Dec 17, 2020 – Jan 30, 2021.
The city rejoiced in another successful season of incredible retail deals, raffles, and more during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
ONE FOR INSTA : Tourists at the Dubai Mall. Demand for tourist visas perked up as UAE started building up to the Dubai Expo opening.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
SHOPPERS STOP : As restrictions eased in Dubai, shopping mails were allowed to raise their visitor capacity to 80 per cent.
Clint Egbert/Gulf News
ABRA-CADABRA : The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) held a workshop to educate abra (traditional boat) drivers operating at Sabkha and Baniyas marine stations about the COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Dubai Media Office
MAKING A SPLASH : Waterparks and water attractions in Dubai were instructed by the Municipality to carry out deep-cleaning and water quality tests before reopening.
Dubai Media Office
WINTERLAND : Ski Dubai resumed operations, but with strict safety protocols.
Dubai Media Office
FIERY FOUNTAIN : The Palm Fountain broke the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain in the world. Inaugurated at the Pointe in Dubai, it is spread over 14,000 sqft of seawater.
Dubai Media Office
ART ATTACK : The fifth edition of Dubai Canvas, the 3D art festival organised by Brand Dubai. Audiences were treated to live art shows and immersive art experiences.
Dubai Media Office
HEIGHT SEEING : A helicopter tour offers tourists breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks, skyscrapers and the man-made archipelago of Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai Media Office
BARGAIN HUNT : Shoppers scour the malls for discounts during a weekend sale at the malls in Dubai
Dubai Media Office
FUN ON A SWING : Children enjoy fun activities at the OliOli in Dubai as most restrictions were eased, but safety protocols remained.
Dubai Media Office
ALL THAT GLITTERS : The Gold Souq is the DNA that gave Dubai the ‘City of Gold’ status. With COVID cases dwindling, a new generation of shoppers is starting to buy gold.
Dubai Media Office
