Returning to Normal: Attitudes Towards the Post-Lockdown Era in UAE

More than half of the people in the UAE believe that it will take between 6 to 12 months for things to go back to normal post COVID-19 lockdown. Even with things going back to normal, the majority say that they will either make small permanent changes in their lives or change many things about the way that they lived before lockdown.

While people were divided between those who are comfortable going back to work (53%) and those who aren't (47%), the vast majority still did not feel at ease dining out, going to the gym, cinema, attending live events, or even leaving home without a mask.

When it comes to travel and tourism, most people feel uncomfortable carrying out these activities, especially traveling by air and going on an international holiday. On the other hand, 66% are still not comfortable with allowing tourists back into the country.

As for shopping, over 60% felt comfortable going to the supermarket and having their groceries delivered to their homes, but 23% were still uncomfortable about making a major purchase in the next few weeks. When it comes to people’s assessment of the current situation vs. what they had expected at the start of the pandemic, around a third believe the situation is worse than they had expected, while around half said it was in line with their expectations.