...
By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Board has taken significant steps to support the thousands of travelers stranded across the country amid the widespread regional airspace disruptions caused by the conflict between Iran and its Gulf neighbors.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) issued a memo to hotel general managers across the region on February 28, directing them to permit guests impacted by the ongoing situation to remain in their rooms beyond their scheduled checkout dates.
What To Know
In the memo, which was shared on Threads by Fahad Naim, posting as @mfahadnaimb, DCT Abu Dhabi confirmed that the government will fully cover the cost of these extended stays. The memo specifies that the directive applies to travelers facing disruptions “beyond their control,” including those unable to depart due to suspended flights or restricted airspace. Hotels have been instructed to submit invoices for the additional nights to the department through a designated channel. DCT Abu Dhabi’s Business Continuity Team will oversee coordination to ensure smooth implementation across the emirate’s hospitality sector.
Read More on Travel
These actions echo those of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) which advised hotels to allow stranded guests to extend their stays under the same terms as their original bookings, meaning no rate increases, penalty fees, or altered conditions. DET said the move aligns with broader government directives aimed at providing full support and reassurance to international visitors caught in the travel disruption.
Why It Matters
The measures come as the Gulf region experiences significant upheaval stemming from heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. Several airlines have diverted or canceled flights as a precaution, resulting in major schedule interruptions. Regional media estimate that around 20,000 tourists and transit passengers are currently stranded across the UAE as a result of the unprecedented disruptions.
UAE authorities hope the guarantee of accommodation, at no additional financial burden, will help tourists remain safe, sheltered, and supported until they are able to resume their journeys. Hotels across the UAE are continuing to work closely with government departments to implement the temporary measures.
...
What People Are Saying
DCT Abu Dhabi: "In light of the current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their check out date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, you are kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart."
Aeronautical engineer Fahad Naim, reacting to the memo on Threads: "Abu Dhabi is straight-up class right now. Government just told hotels: 'Keep the stranded guests comfy... extend their stays, we'll cover every extra night and meal. No charge to them.' All because of the flight chaos from the regional mess. That's some real hospitality flex ..... Props to DCT Abu Dhabi for looking after people first."
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines