UAE to Cover Hotel Costs for Stranded Travellers Amid Regional Flight Disruptions

The Government of Abu Dhabi has announced a relief measure for travellers unable to depart the emirate due to recent flight suspensions linked to regional tensions. Hotels across Abu Dhabi have been instructed to extend stays for affected guests, with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) covering the additional accommodation costs.

Abu Dhabi Activates Hospitality Support Framework

According to official communication issued to hotel general managers, visitors who have reached their scheduled check-out dates but are unable to leave because of cancelled or delayed flights will be permitted to remain in their current hotels.

DCT Abu Dhabi has clarified that neither guests nor hotel operators will be financially responsible for the extended stay. Instead, properties will coordinate directly with the department for reimbursement of eligible costs.

This measure ensures uninterrupted accommodation support during ongoing travel disruptions affecting parts of the Middle East aviation network.

Legal Authority Under Tourism Law

The directive has been implemented under Law No. 8 of 2018, which established DCT Abu Dhabi and empowers it to regulate and support the tourism and hospitality sector. By invoking this framework, the department has reinforced its mandate to safeguard visitor welfare and ensure operational stability within the hotel industry.

Hotels have also been provided with contact details of the department’s business continuity team to streamline coordination and resolve operational concerns efficiently.

Dubai Issues Parallel Advisory to Hotels

In a related move, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has advised hotel establishments to allow stranded travellers to extend their stays under the same booking terms. Hotels have been asked to inform authorities about reservation details, extension duration, and any logistical challenges arising from the situation.

Strengthening Traveller Confidence and Sector Stability

The coordinated action by Abu Dhabi and Dubai highlights the UAE’s proactive crisis management strategy. By absorbing the cost of extended stays, authorities aim to protect visitor interests, support hotel operators, and maintain destination confidence during temporary aviation disruptions.

This decision positions the UAE as a destination committed to hospitality resilience, regulatory clarity, and structured tourism governance in times of uncertainty.