UAE to Cover All Costs for Stranded Tourists After Airport Closures

"The government will cover extended accommodation costs."

The United Arab Emirates government has issued an unprecedented administrative order to fully cover accommodation and living expenses for all foreign tourists stranded in the country due to deteriorating Middle East tensions stemming from Iran.

The move comes after the effective paralysis of the Middle East aviation hub following airspace closures and flight cancellations, with the government stepping in to fully compensate private sector losses.

According to the UAE government on June 2 local time, the country has launched an "unlimited support procedure" for all foreign tourists currently in the UAE under directives from President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The support covers hotel accommodation, meals, return flight costs, and emergency visa issuance fees. The government is effectively bearing all costs required for tourists' stay.

The key element is "immediate cost exemption." The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism stated in an official letter to hotels: "Extend accommodation until guests can depart," adding that "the government will cover extended accommodation costs." Tourists can extend their stay at no additional charge by presenting flight cancellation certificates from airlines to their hotel front desk.

The extraordinary support comes amid unprecedented aviation disruption. Following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Tehran launched retaliatory missiles, sharply escalating tensions across the Middle East. Dubai International Airport closed indefinitely on the afternoon of April 28 due to facility damage and safety concerns. Korean Air and Emirates suspended all operations. Abu Dhabi airport has also experienced repeated delays and cancellations.

Some routes bypassing Iranian airspace have added two to four hours of flight time. Concerns over potential Strait of Hormuz closures have raised fears of fuel surcharge increases and higher airfares.

Israel's government has also established a 24-hour online service center and dedicated WhatsApp channel to assist tourists. The South Korean Embassy in Israel has arranged bus evacuation routes to Cairo via the Taba border crossing for Korean nationals unable to secure flights. Travelers must cover their own exit taxes and visa fees.

Dubai attracted 19.59 million international tourists last year, setting a record for the third consecutive year. The city has strengthened its position as a global tourism hub with 827 hotels and approximately 150,000 rooms but now faces unexpected disruption from the Middle East crisis.