Hotels have been directed by the department to notify the DET when a guest cannot pay for a stay extension.
“Amid Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran and ongoing regional developments, hotel establishments in Dubai have been emailed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) directing them to provide full support to tourists affected by flight cancellations or delays.
“The DET has provided guidance on how hotels should assist stranded visitors.
An email from the department stated: “We kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that hotel guests who were due to check out but are unable to do so due to 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.”
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has instructed hotels in Dubai to notify the authority “at the earliest opportunity” if a guest is unable to cover the costs of extending their stay. Hotels are required to provide details such as the guest’s initial length of stay, any extensions, and whether a third party is covering the costs.
The guidance comes as over 1,500 flights across the region have been cancelled amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with several UAE airlines suspending all flights to and from the country until Monday.
One hotel executive said they have been in close contact with the DET and pledged full cooperation. “All our hotels are full for now,” said Mohamed Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Flora Hospitality. “DET has instructed us to extend the highest level of support for travellers. We also have an internal policy to never increase prices during such situations and not evict a tourist if they are unable to pay.”
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has similarly directed hotels to extend stays for guests unable to travel due to flight disruptions, with the authority covering the cost of the additional nights.
Earlier, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that the country will cover all accommodation and sustenance costs for affected and stranded passengers.
