Abu Dhabi Travel Curbs: UAE to Pay for Stranded Travellers’ Hotel Stay

In a major relief for travellers stranded due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, authorities in Abu Dhabi have directed hotels to allow affected guests to extend their stay at government expense.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) issued a circular instructing hotel general managers across the emirate to accommodate visitors who are unable to depart due to flight disruptions and regional travel curbs. The government clarified that neither hotels nor guests would bear the financial burden of extended stays.

The directive follows widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions across parts of the Gulf region amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. Many travellers in Abu Dhabi reportedly reached their scheduled check-out dates but were unable to leave because of cancelled or rescheduled flights.

According to the official notice, the cost of extended accommodation will be covered directly by DCT Abu Dhabi. Hotels have been asked to forward related invoices to a designated government email address for reimbursement. The department also shared contact details of its business continuity team to ensure smooth coordination and address operational concerns.

The move has been widely welcomed, especially as hundreds of international passengers remain stranded in major Gulf transit hubs. By stepping in to cover additional accommodation costs, the UAE government aims to protect both travellers and the hospitality industry from unexpected financial strain.

The order is backed by Law No. 8 of 2018, which established DCT Abu Dhabi and empowers it to regulate and support the tourism sector during exceptional circumstances.

In a parallel development, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism issued similar instructions to hotel operators in the emirate. Hotels in Dubai have been asked to allow affected guests to extend their stays under the same terms as their original bookings. Operators must also inform the department about the extension details and any challenges faced.

The decision reflects a coordinated response by UAE authorities to cushion the impact of regional instability on tourism and travel. With flight schedules remaining uncertain and airspace closures continuing in parts of West Asia, such measures provide temporary stability for visitors caught in transit disruptions.

Travellers are advised to remain in contact with airlines and hotel management for updates while authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation.