Amid travel chaos and regional airspace closures, residents in Dubai, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah opened their homes and provided essentials for stranded travelers.
When flight disruptions and regional airspace closures left travellers stranded in airport terminals and forced many to extend their stays across the UAE, their planned itineraries were upended and uncertainty set in — prompting a groundswell of community support.
Residents in Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah opened their homes and rallied to help visitors, offering shelter, meals and basic essentials to those unable to continue their journeys amid the travel chaos.
The extraordinary outpouring of support comes as authorities and local businesses also step in with assistance — including free hotel stays, extended accommodations, meals and other provisions — as part of broader relief efforts while flights remain suspended or limited due to regional tensions.
Some travelers were in transit, while others were on short vacations in the UAE. With return flights delayed or rescheduled, many suddenly faced uncertainty over when they would be able to continue their journeys.
Across Dubai, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, residents have stepped up, opening their homes, providing meals, and offering basic essentials to travelers they had never met before.
Riyaz Raj, a consultant, businessman, and owner of Rio Broast Chicken, who has lived in the UAE for 27 years, is among those assisting visit visa holders and stranded residents. With 15 years of social service experience, he said the current situation compelled him to act.
“Many tourists are stranded in Dubai, and several have run out of money for accommodation, attractions, and food. I’m here to help anyone in need of meals and essentials,” Riyaz said.
“I’m doing this on a small scale; it’s just a way to give back to the community. A few school friends have joined me. We simply want to provide some relief during this difficult time,” he added.
His friend Hussain, who runs a hotel in the city, has reserved a few rooms free of charge for stranded travelers.
“If someone has nowhere to go, they can stay with us until their travel situation is resolved. A few rooms are set aside for this purpose. It’s important that people feel safe and supported,” Hussain said. Riyaz and his friends have also been coordinating food deliveries and distributing essentials to stranded visitors.
In Ajman, Ali Shahbaz, director at Koncept Kreations, opened his apartment to a group of friends from India who were unable to return home. “I’m currently alone in a two-bedroom apartment while my family is in India. I’ve asked four of them to stay in the guest room, and another four can manage in the hall,” he said.
“They were here for a week, staying in a hotel when their travel plans were suddenly disrupted. At least they don’t have to worry about a roof over their heads,” he added.
In Ras Al Khaimah, realtor Hashmath Raza has been arranging accommodation, meals, and medicines for those stuck in the emirate.
“Many people are confused and stressed. We are trying to provide whatever we can, including a place to stay, meals, and basic medicines. Even small help makes a big difference in times like these,” he said.
For stranded travelers, these acts of support have offered reassurance amid uncertainty. While authorities and airlines continue to manage the travel disruptions, these quiet gestures of kindness are helping ease the burden—one meal, one room, and one open door at a time.
