Dubai Lockdown Ends But Expats Happier Staying Home

Following the lifting of

’s stay-at-home lockdown, expats don’t seem to be rushing to leave their apartments.

Movement restrictions across Dubai were partially lifted last week, allowing expats and citizens to leave their homes between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. without having to get a permit. However, according to local English language media, those asked whether they’re happy about the change didn’t seem to be in any hurry to take advantage of their new-found freedom.

One Russian expat said she’s only leaving the house to get essential supplies or to meet up with a friend at a local coffee shop. She’s a fan of Korean food and has shopped once for the special ingredients she needs. Another female expat admitted to biking around her Jumeirah community, wearing her mask and enjoying her outdoor exercise. Others were concerned about unknowingly spreading the virus should they be unfortunate enough to be infected, and feel it’s best if everyone stays inside as much as possible.

A South African expat self-employed in the construction sector has been out every day searching for work as well as getting essential food supplies and was pleased about the lack of traffic on the roads as well as the peace and quiet during the lockdown. Another expats is happy she can now walk her dog twice a day, but isn’t bothered about staying home, and a good number of expats now working from home say they feel far safer and aren’t at all concerned about not being able to leave their properties as they can order all they need online.