Authorities in Abu Dhabi have directed hotels across the emirate to extend the stays of guests stranded by ongoing travel disruptions, assuring operators that the government will fully cover the cost of the additional accommodation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the directive was issued by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in a notice sent to hotel general managers on Saturday, following widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures across the Middle East. The department said the measure was necessary to support guests who have been unable to leave due to circumstances beyond their control.
“Pursuant to Law No. 8 of 2018 establishing the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) with a mandate to develop the tourism industry in the Emirate of 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,” the notice stated.
It added, “The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi. Kindly send all related invoices to the following e-mail address: bemoperations@dctabudhai.ae.”
The directive comes amid escalating military tensions in the region, which have severely disrupted air travel. On Saturday morning, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on United States military bases across parts of the Middle East, triggering multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh. The strikes followed coordinated missile attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory.
In response to the worsening security situation, the United Arab Emirates temporarily shut its airspace, while Qatar Airways suspended all flights and Dubai airports halted operations indefinitely. Several international airlines also announced temporary suspension of services to and from the Middle East, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across multiple destinations.
Tourism and aviation authorities across the Gulf region have since activated emergency protocols, with hotels, airports, and embassies coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of affected travellers until normal flight operations resume.
