Brazilian visitor Livya Feho took advantage of a 24-hour layover in Dubai to visit Expo 2020, in a city that remains one of the few international tourism centers open amid a coronavirus-affected holiday season.

Feho, who was traveling from Israel to Brazil, took a few selfies in the central area of the worldwide market, which was covered with Christmas trees and other holiday decorations.

Was she unconcerned about catching COVID-19 with the Omicron version prevalent in the UAE?

"Yes, a little...however, I had the booster dose... and I'm also wearing a mask. As a result, I believe I will be alright," she stated.

Dubai, the business and tourism capital of the Middle East, cannot afford another shutdown. Weakened by coronavirus restrictions, its economy is mainly reliant on the travel industry.

According to government data, it drew 5.5 million visitors in 2020, despite global lockdowns, and 4.88 million this year as of the end of October.

UAE infection rates are increasing once more. On Wednesday, 665 new cases were reported, but travelers continue to enjoy the city's glittering hotels and nightlife.

Gabriela Pourova, a Czech tourist, stated that she required only a PCR test to enter Dubai.

"Regardless of how high the risk is at the moment... I can simply take precautions and still enjoy Dubai," remarked Togo visitor Yvette Dbedevi.