In an official communication dated February 28, 2026, addressed to hotel establishment general managers, DCT Abu Dhabi stated that guests who have reached their check-out date but are unable to travel due to circumstances beyond their control must be allowed to extend their stay until they are able to depart.
The order clearly specifies that the cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi, with hotels instructed to submit all related invoices directly to the department.
The move comes as regional airspace restrictions and flight cancellations linked to the Iran–Israel escalation have left an estimated around 20,000 tourists and transit passengers stranded in the UAE, according to airport and aviation sources.
By stepping in to absorb accommodation costs, Abu Dhabi authorities are seeking to ease the financial burden on affected visitors while maintaining confidence in the emirate’s tourism ecosystem during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.
Hotels have also been advised to coordinate with the department’s Business Continuity Team for operational support.
The directive underscores the UAE’s broader effort to manage the fallout from the regional crisis while ensuring that stranded travellers are provided with immediate relief and logistical support.
(Edited by : Priyanka Deshpande)
