Abu Dhabi Covers Stranded Hotel Costs
Abu Dhabi is ordering hotels to extend stays for stranded guests and covering the costs amid travel disruptions. The directive comes as the U.S. issued worldwide travel warnings following strikes on Iran, with flights cancelled across the Middle East. India is also offering visa relief to foreign travelers unable to depart.
The directive from Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) is a significant move to mitigate the impact of the unfolding regional crisis on the emirate's tourism sector. The circular, dated February 28, 2026, instructs all hotel establishments to extend the stays of guests who are unable to leave due to circumstances beyond their control, with the department covering the costs. This action is seen as a measure to prevent reputational damage and ensure stranded tourists are not left in distress. The travel chaos stems from the closure of airspace over at least seven countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. This has led to a cascade of flight cancellations, with thousands of flights affected globally. Major carriers like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have suspended numerous services, impacting key transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that on a single Saturday, nearly 40% of flights to Israel and 6.7% of flights to the wider region were cancelled. The economic repercussions of the airspace shutdowns are significant, disrupting a crucial corridor for travel between the West and Asia. The three major Gulf hubs—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha—collectively handle around 90,000 transit passengers daily, all of whom have been affected. The disruption is being described as the most significant since the COVID-19 pandemic, with fears of rising ticket prices and long-term impacts on regional tourism if the conflict persists. In response to the escalating situation, several countries have issued advisories for their citizens. The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide security alert, urging Americans to "exercise increased caution," and U.S. embassies in several Middle Eastern countries have recommended their citizens shelter in place. India's Ministry of External Affairs has advised its nationals in the region to remain vigilant and has also taken steps to assist stranded foreign travelers within India. The ministry has directed them to the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for help with visa extensions and other formalities.
