In a big relief amid mounting tensions in the Middle East and the subsequent widespread flight disruptions, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) on Sunday instructed hotels across the emirate to allow guests stranded by travel restrictions to extend their stay, with the government stepping in to cover the additional costs, Gulf News reported.
In a circular issued on February 28, 2026, to hotel general managers, the department noted that some visitors had reached their scheduled check-out dates but were unable to leave due to circumstances beyond their control.
The directive came against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted flight operations and led to temporary curbs on travel across parts of the region.
DCT clarified that neither hotels nor guests would bear the financial burden of the extended accommodation. “The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT, Abu Dhabi,” the notice said, asking hotels to forward related invoices to the department’s designated email address.
To streamline coordination, the department also shared contact details of its business continuity team for operational support. The move has drawn positive reactions on social media, with many viewing it as a proactive step to cushion the impact of travel disruptions on both visitors and the emirate’s hospitality sector.
The order invoked Law No. 8 of 2018, which established DCT Abu Dhabi and empowered it to regulate and support the tourism industry.
In a parallel measure, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism directed hotel operators to permit affected guests to extend their stays under the same terms as their original bookings. Hotels were also asked to promptly inform the department, detailing the original reservation, the extension period, and any operational issues faced.
