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.