Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued directives to hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, urging them not to evict British tourists who have become stranded in these Middle Eastern destinations. This intervention comes as widespread travel disruption sweeps across the region following escalating conflict, with the US and Israel launching strikes on Iran over the weekend, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Iran targeting several allies, including Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi.
Official Requests to Hotels
According to reports from the Khaleej Times, an email sent from the UAE's Department of Economy to hotels in Dubai explicitly requests cooperation in ensuring that guests unable to check out due to these circumstances are offered the option to extend their stay under the same conditions as their initial booking. The email states: 'We kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that hotel guests who were due to check out but are unable to do so as a result of these circumstances are offered the option to extend their stay under the same conditions as their initial booking. It is important that no guests are evicted under these circumstances.'
Cost Coverage and Guest Details
Hotels have also been instructed to notify the tourism authority if guests cannot cover the costs of their extended stay. They are required to provide details such as the guest's information, original length of stay, accumulated costs, and any coverage from other sources. The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism has similarly directed hotels to allow extensions for disrupted travellers, with the authority pledging to cover the cost of additional nights if necessary.
Impact on British Nationals
Approximately 100,000 British expats have registered their presence in the region with the Foreign Office online, highlighting the scale of the issue. The average price for a double hotel room in Dubai is around $274 (£204) per night, according to Kayak, making this intervention crucial for those affected by mass flight cancellations and safety concerns.
Safety Measures and Social Media Reports
As the situation develops, all flights to several areas, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have been grounded, leaving many visitors stranded. Tourists in Dubai have circulated videos showing drones hitting famous landmarks like the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Palm Jumeirah hotel. In response, many luxury hotels have evacuated guests from their rooms to underground car parks and service corridors for safety.
Numerous videos posted on social media depict travellers scattered across car park floors, lying on mattresses or thin blankets. One British woman shared a TikTok video of herself sitting on a mattress in an underground carpark, surrounded by other guests. In her pajamas, she wrote: 'Not quite the 5* we booked however we're greatful [sic] to be safe! Before the nasty comments, we have been evacuated to the basement for our safety!'
The tourism authority's intervention is expected to provide significant relief to those impacted, ensuring shelter and stability during this turbulent period in the Middle East.
