Dubai's beaches, shopping malls, and hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are usually bustling on weekend days during peak tourist season.

However, that familiar scene was unrecognizable in Dubai on 1/3. The city's highways were nearly empty, and the sky no longer saw planes continuously taking off and landing. The Dubai Marina area, typically vibrant with yachts and sea parties, was also unusually quiet.

This led US-based CNN to describe Dubai as a "ghost town".

Deserted highway in Dubai on 1/3. Photo: CNN

Deserted highway in Dubai on 1/3. Photo: CNN

For many residents, this scene evoked memories of the Covid-19 lockdown 6 years ago, when one of the world's busiest transit hubs suddenly fell silent. Schools in the city once again shifted to online learning, and residents stayed home.

"It feels like the Covid days. Sunny, quiet, birds chirping, no traffic or planes", said Paul Devitt, a CNN cameraman.

Some residents rushed to supermarkets to stock up on essentials. Food delivery applications reported delays due to surging demand. In neighborhoods that are usually crowded until late evening, the streets are now completely empty.

Deserted streets in Dubai on 1/3. Photo: Reuters

Deserted streets in Dubai on 1/3. Photo: Reuters

After UAE airspace closed, some people drove to quieter areas within the country. In Hatta, near the border with Oman, at least one hotel converted its conference rooms into temporary shelters for guests who had checked out but could not return home. Some new arrivals stated they were moving their families away from the affected areas in Dubai.

Many traveled to Oman by road, as it was the only country in the region not yet affected by Iran's retaliatory attacks on 28/2. However, by 1/3, Omani officials announced that two unmanned aerial vehicles had targeted a port in the country.

Dubai, a city proud of its safety and stability, lacks public bomb shelters. Many residents spent the night of 28/2 in underground parking lots. Parents tried to shield their children as explosions occurred overhead. Some told their children these were fireworks for the Ramadan fasting month, a tradition in Islamic countries.

Residents crossing a street in Dubai on 1/3. Photo: AFP

Residents crossing a street in Dubai on 1/3. Photo: AFP

US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran on the morning of 28/2, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, along with senior officials and generals. Informed sources indicated the attack had been "jointly planned for months" by the US and Israel.

Iran quickly announced a retaliatory operation targeting Israeli territory, as well as several US bases in various Middle Eastern countries, causing extensive infrastructure damage. Tehran affirmed its targets were Washington's forces, not the territory of neighboring nations.

Huyen Le (According to CNN, AFP)