Abu Dhabi directs hotels to extend guests’ stay over travel restrictions, says it’ll cover cost

The department of culture and tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has directed hotels in the emirate to extend the stay of guests affected by ongoing travel restrictions.

In a notice addressed to general managers of hotels in the region on Saturday, DCT Abu Dhabi said it will cover the cost of the extended stay.

“Pursuant to Law No. 8 of 2018 establishing the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) with a mandate to develop the tourism industry in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; In light of the current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their check out date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, you are kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart,” the notice reads.

“The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi. Kindly send all related invoices to the following e-mail address: bemoperations @dctabudhai.ae.”

The directive comes as air travel continues to suffer massive disruptions due to rising tensions in destinations across the Middle East.

On Saturday morning, Iran launched reprisal attacks on the United States (US) military bases in the Middle East, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, and Kuwait, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The attack followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iran.

The development forced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to close its airspace, with Qatar Airways suspending all flights and Dubai airports shutting down operations indefinitely.

Several global airlines also announced temporary suspensions of operations to and from the Middle East.