In an unprecedented move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to covering hotel and meal expenses for stranded tourists affected by the ongoing Iran crisis.
This announcement by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Sunday comes as a response to the significant number of flight cancellations and rescheduling that has left approximately 20,200 passengers stranded in the region.
They came for vacation.
Then airspace closed. Flights were cancelled. Over 20,000 passengers were suddenly stranded across the Gulf.
Instead of chaos, the UAE made one move.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi reportedly sent a directive to every hotel in Abu Dhabi:… pic.twitter.com/xHcvNAXLKM
— ❎e k ℹ️ (@XekiHlongwane) March 2, 2026
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According to a circular issued by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), hotels in the region have been instructed to allow guests who have reached their check-out dates to extend their stays without charge, pending a resolution to their travel issues, as reported by Euro News.
“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 circular stated.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has echoed this sentiment, providing similar directives to hotels across Dubai.
Hotels are encouraged to offer guests the option to extend their stay under the same conditions as their initial bookings, ensuring that those who require financial assistance to prolong their stays can reach out for support.”For those who cannot cover the costs of stay extensions, hotels have been told to notify DET,” the statement added.
Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin today evening, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Travellers are advised not to proceed to… pic.twitter.com/Ui4ZYbuRJ2
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2026
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As the situation continues to evolve, Dubai Airports confirmed on Monday afternoon that flight operations were set to resume on a limited basis starting the evening of 2 March.
However, travellers are urged to refrain from proceeding to both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) unless they have been specifically contacted by their airlines regarding confirmed departure times.
Emirates and flydubai have announced their intention to restart a limited number of flights beginning today (Monday), prioritising customers with earlier bookings.
Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights from the evening of 2 March. Priority is being given to customers with earlier bookings. Passengers who have been rebooked onto these flights will be contacted directly by Emirates. Please do not proceed to the airport…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2026
Passengers who have been rebooked onto these flights will receive direct communication from the airlines. “Priority is being given to customers with earlier bookings,” a statement from Dubai Airports said on X (formerly Twitter).
First published by Cape {town} ETC
Also see: SA-Dubai & Doha flight chaos! – Here’s how many trips have been cancelled
