Some companies received more than 2,000 requests for assistance across various channels while helping house hundreds of visitors.
When flight cancellations and airspace closures stranded thousands of travelers in the UAE, home rental companies and property developers across the country stepped in, opening their doors to those in need.
UAE-based Peace Homes Development was among the first to respond. “During the current situation, when airspace closures left many visitors unable to return home, we felt it was our duty to step forward,” said Ahsan Rasheed, Chairman of the company.
“No one asked us to do this. Our love and respect for this country and its leadership naturally motivate us to help whenever it’s needed.”
According to Rasheed, the company received more than 2,000 requests for assistance through various channels. “We provided free accommodation for hundreds of stranded visitors while continuing to expand our support,” he said. “We believe that when visitors eventually return to their countries, they should remember not only the beauty of Dubai but also the kindness and humanity they experienced here during a difficult time.”
A personal mission
Popular real estate company Danube also offered its apartments to stranded travelers. For the company’s founder and chairman, Rizwan Sajan, the decision was deeply personal.
“Providing free accommodation to those stranded in Dubai is our way of ensuring that no one feels alone during this crisis,” he said. “I have personally experienced moments of uncertainty during my time in Kuwait, so I understand the fear and helplessness many were facing.”
Danube Properties extends support to stranded travelers
Danube Properties accommodated over 600 stranded people and continues to extend assistance to many more. “Families and senior citizens remain our top priority, and we are also arranging hotel stays where required,” said Rizwan Sajan, the company’s founder and chairman. “Those in need can directly message the Danube Properties Instagram account, and our team will reach out to them.”
A sector-wide effort
The holiday home sector also mobilized to help families struggling to find affordable accommodation amid surging prices.
Livjaza, a local holiday home rental marketplace, was among the first to step in. According to CEO Ramneek Singh Dhir, over 100 operators in their network offered reduced nightly rates and complimentary nights to stranded families. “To further assist travelers, Livjaza removed all platform fees, enabling bookings at 15–20% lower prices than international platforms,” he said.
“With this rapid, collective response, the UAE’s holiday home sector came together to support visitors during unexpected disruptions,” Dhir added. More than 50 guests have already been accommodated through their network, with over 500 stranded travelers reaching out for help.
Airas Vacation Home Rental also offered rooms at discounted rates. “We had about four families stranded in the UAE, unable to return,” said Sidharth Lalwani, Sales Head of the company. “We offered our rooms at a 40–50% discount compared to prices last month. It was budget-friendly for these families and gave them one less thing to worry about.”
A family’s story
For Belgian tourist Michaël Crepin, the assistance arrived at a crucial moment. He had travelled to Dubai with his son, his Serbian partner, and her daughter to celebrate their birthdays — a trip intended to be the children’s first meeting as a blended family. They were preparing to depart when flight cancellations began.
Crepin described the situation as “super challenging,” trying to care for two children with no routine while juggling endless calls to rebook flights and watching hotel costs mount. “Back in Serbia and Belgium, our pets are in paid care,” he said. “Work was waiting. Real life was just paused. What was supposed to be our children’s beautiful first meeting became a test we never signed up for. We were barely holding up.”
At this low point, Livjaza stepped in to help the family secure an affordable apartment. “We felt heard and supported in a crisis,” said Crepin. “It showed us that the human touch matters.”
