Stranded tourists in UAE to have Accommodation costs covered

The United Arab Emirates will cover accommodation expenses for tourists stranded in the country due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, The National reported.

According to the report, the Department of Culture and Tourism has sent an official notice to hotels across the country.

“In light of the current circumstances, some guests whose departure dates have passed are unable to leave the country due to emergency conditions. Hotels are therefore requested to extend their stays until departure. The additional accommodation costs will be covered by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism,” the letter said.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has also assumed responsibility for covering accommodation and meal expenses for thousands of passengers affected by flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures.

In a statement, authorities said the government would cover all expenses incurred by affected passengers. Airports and national carriers have so far assisted approximately 20,200 travelers by providing temporary accommodation, food and beverages, and facilitating rebooking arrangements.

Earlier, it was reported that special flights would be organized to repatriate Uzbek citizens who had traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah program.