Tourism across the Middle East has taken a major hit as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel continues to escalate. Several prominent tourist destinations in the region are facing severe disruptions, with airspace closures, repeated attacks, and large numbers of stranded travellers impacting both leisure and business travel.

Key tourism hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, Manama in Bahrain, and Kuwait City in Kuwait are witnessing a sharp slowdown in tourism activity. These cities have also reported a series of missile and drone attacks, heightening safety concerns for visitors.

Thousands of tourists remain stranded in hotels following the suspension of air services across the region. Reports indicate that properties such as Fairmont The Palm and the Crowne Plaza Manama hotel complex were affected by missile and drone attacks. In another incident, Burj Al Arab sustained a minor fire on its outer facade after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck the building during retaliatory strikes on February 28, 2026.

Aviation operations across the region remain heavily restricted. Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s key transit hubs, announced on X that, "Hamad International Airport’s flight operations remain suspended and will resume once Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.

The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees remain our top priority. This is a precautionary measure based on the latest developments in the region.

Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport and to check with their respective airlines for latest flight information until further notice."

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports confirmed that a concourse at Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and continue to manage the situation in coordination with relevant authorities.

Airlines have also announced extended suspensions. Emirates confirmed the suspension of all Dubai flights until 3:00 PM on March 3 amid the ongoing tensions. IndiGo stated that after carefully reviewing regional developments, it is extending the temporary suspension of select international flights operating through parts of Middle Eastern airspace. The airline added that certain other international services may also be impacted as schedules are adjusted.

To assist travellers, IndiGo is offering full flexibility and travel waivers for flights to and from the Middle East, along with other affected international sectors, until March 7 for bookings made on or before February 28. Affected passengers can reschedule at no additional cost or opt for a full refund, with updates being shared directly through registered contact details.

Adding to the impact on the region, stock exchanges in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will remain shut on March 2 and 3 as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. With travel, tourism, and financial markets all under pressure, industry experts expect the regional tourism sector to face prolonged challenges until stability returns.

Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have asked hotels to extend stays for guests unable to depart due to the ongoing Iran, US and Israel conflict. The move is aimed at protecting international visitors impacted by widespread travel disruptions and airspace closures across the region.

The directives instruct hotels to prioritise guest welfare, ensure continuity of accommodation, and refrain from asking travellers to vacate rooms if they are unable to leave the country or immediately cover the cost of extended stays. Authorities have stressed that these measures are part of a coordinated effort to support visitors during what has been described as exceptional circumstances.

In Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism issued a formal directive to hotel managers, asking them to allow affected guests to extend their stays under the same terms as their original bookings. The department said the step aligns with wider government instructions to offer full support and assistance to international travellers during the current situation. Hotels have been urged to cooperate fully and ensure that guests who are unable to leave are accommodated without disruption.

Officials also clarified that guests should not be forced to vacate their rooms if they are unable to pay extension charges immediately, reflecting a strong emphasis on consumer protection and visitor welfare. Hotel operators were further instructed to inform the department promptly in such cases, sharing details of the original booking period, the extension required, and any operational challenges faced.

A similar but more extensive directive has been issued in Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi confirmed that the government will cover accommodation costs for stranded guests. In a circular sent to hotels, the department instructed properties to extend stays until guests are able to depart.

“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.

It further added that “the cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi,” and advised hotels to submit invoices directly to the department.

The twin directives underline a coordinated approach across the United Arab Emirates to ensure travellers are not left without accommodation during periods of uncertainty. Authorities said the measures are part of broader efforts to maintain stability in the tourism sector while placing the welfare of international guests first.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after Israel first announced on Saturday morning that it had launched a missile attack on Iran. A US official later confirmed that Israel’s attacks were carried out as a joint military operation with the United States.

In response, Iran hit back by launching missiles towards Israel, a move confirmed by the Israeli military. Sirens were heard across several parts of the country, while explosions were seen and heard in northern Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that they had launched their first large-scale wave of retaliatory missile and drone strikes towards Israel.

The impact of the conflict quickly spread across the region. Bahrain reported that a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the country, while another missile was intercepted in Qatar. An explosion was also reported in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, multiple explosions were heard in Tehran, with blasts reported in several other parts of Iran. Explosions were also heard in parts of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait.

Amid the escalating situation, the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar has been closed, while the UAE has partially closed its airspace. As a result, flights between India, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and North America are facing widespread disruptions.

Several airlines have announced changes to their operations. Qatar Airways has suspended flights, while Turkish Airlines has cancelled multiple West Asia routes. Air India said that, "In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required."

Meanwhile, IndiGo advised passengers to check their flight status prior to departure, adding that in case of any impact, updates will be communicated promptly through registered contact details.

Indian authorities have also issued advisories for citizens in the region. Indian Embassies in the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar advised that, "In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals are advised to take due care, & follow news and advisories as & when issued by the Embassy & local authorities." The Indian Embassy in Bahrain further announced that Indian Visa and Passport Services provided by ICAC, Bahrain Mall, are suspended for 28.02.2026 (Saturday).

As the situation continues to develop, authorities across the region remain on high alert, with further updates expected in the coming days.