UAE To Cover Hotel, Meal Costs For 20,000 Tourists Stranded By Iran Crisis
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The United Arab Emirates has announced emergency support for more than 20,000 international visitors unable to leave the country due to escalating tensions linked to the Iran crisis and the resulting airspace disruptions across parts of the Middle East.
In a formal notice dated February 28, 2026, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi directed hotel operators in Abu Dhabi to allow affected guests to remain in their rooms beyond scheduled checkout dates at no immediate cost to them.
The instruction applies to travellers whose flights were cancelled or delayed following temporary airspace closures triggered by regional instability. Many airlines have suspended or adjusted routes, leaving thousands stranded in transit or awaiting rebooking.
Hotel general managers were told to extend stays for guests unable to depart “for reasons beyond their control.” The government agency assured hotels that all related expenses, including accommodation and meals, would be reimbursed upon submission of invoices through an official channel.
The directive referenced Law No. 8 of 2018, which established the tourism authority and outlines its responsibility to oversee and protect the emirate’s tourism sector.
Officials said the measure falls within that mandate, particularly during extraordinary circumstances affecting visitor welfare.
Authorities stressed that the move is aimed at safeguarding tourists while preserving Abu Dhabi’s standing as a reliable and secure destination. The hospitality industry has been urged to cooperate fully to ensure stranded guests experience minimal disruption.
The intervention comes amid broader geopolitical tensions that have forced airlines across the region to review flight paths and schedules, creating a ripple effect for international travellers passing through Gulf hubs.
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