Is Dubai’s party over? Record Covid cases, countries raising barriers spark fears of new lockdown

Is Dubai’s party over? Record Covid cases, countries raising barriers spark fears of new lockdown

Fireworks emanate from the Burj Khalifah tower in Dubai during the Dec. 31, 2020 New Year's Eve celebrations, which attracted thousands of tourists and saw relaxed restrictions on social gatherings, allowing up to 30 people to gather per household. AFP via Getty ImagesDUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On the surface, Dubai's party scene feels as vibrant as ever — bustling restaurants and bars, beaches and hotel pools occupied by relaxed residents and tourists taking in the winter sun. But daily record-hitting Covid-19 infections in the Middle East's commercial and holiday hub have made chatter of a potential new lockdown unavoidable.  "It's getting really bad. How long did they think they could get away with this?" Farah S., a lawyer working in Dubai, told CNBC.  New cases recorded on Monday reached an all-time daily high for the country at 3,591, according to the UAE's Ministry of Health. When the country imposed its strictest lockdown in March and April that saw stay-at-home orders and total border closures, daily cases were less than one-tenth of that figure. Just last week, the desert emirate of 3.3 million — whose economy relies heavily on tourism and hospitality — had begun making changes that belie the government's messaging that everything