With flights grounded and thousands of travellers stuck across the city, Dubai has responded the way it knows best — with hospitality. From complimentary hotel rooms to free home-cooked meals, businesses big and small have stepped up to make sure no one feels stranded. Here is everything on Dubai hotels offering stay and how to get in touch.
Government-Backed Support: No One Left Behind
The GCAA announced that the state is covering all hosting and accommodation costs for affected passengers during the period of operational adjustments. This means that any traveller who has reached their hotel checkout date but cannot depart due to flight cancellations is entitled to have their extended stay covered at no personal cost. Dubai’s DET issued guidance, authorising hotels to allow guests to remain and flagging that state support would be available for those experiencing financial difficulty.
If you are currently stranded at a hotel in Dubai:
- Inform hotel management that your checkout date has passed due to flight cancellations.
- The hotel will coordinate directly with DET to arrange a stay extension.
- If you cannot cover the cost, the relevant tourism department will intervene on your behalf.
Hotels Offering Complimentary Stays
Beyond the government mandate, a number of Dubai hotels have stepped forward independently to extend a helping hand to those caught in the disruption.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
One of Dubai’s most iconic luxury hotels, Palazzo Versace Dubai, was among the first to announce a complimentary stay programme for travellers impacted by flight cancellations. The hotel is offering a free night’s accommodation, including breakfast, to stranded guests, subject to availability and verification of travel disruption. The team has confirmed it is in close contact with UAE authorities and is following all official guidance to ensure guest and staff well-being.
- Contact: +971 4 556 8888 | reservations@palazzoversace.ae
- Location
Mileo Dubai
Mileo Dubai has announced complimentary accommodation for travellers stranded due to the regional airspace restrictions. Room allocations are based on availability, with the hotel prioritising families travelling with young children and passengers older than 70. The property has described this as a simple act of hospitality. Ensuring that those who are tired and uncertain during a stressful period have somewhere comfortable to rest.
- Contact: reservation@mileohotels.com
- Location
Holiday Homes and Short-Term Rentals
The spirit of support has extended well beyond hotels, with Dubai’s thriving short-term rental sector also opening its doors.
AraBnB Homes (in partnership with Livjaza)
Luxury holiday home provider AraBnB was one of the first to respond, initially offering free apartments to those stranded in Dubai. Following exceptionally high demand, AraBnB partnered with Livjaza to expand its offer. Discounted holiday homes are now available through this collaboration to help more travellers find affordable, comfortable accommodation.
- Visit livjaza.com and/or DM them for humanitarian booking assistance.
Casa Elan Holiday Homes
Casa Elan Holiday Homes is offering an initial two-night complimentary stay in selected properties to visitors impacted by flight cancellations. Eligible guests are required to provide confirmation of their cancelled flights, and the offer is subject to availability and verification. The company has emphasised that Dubai’s reputation for hospitality remains its guiding principle during this difficult time.
- Contact: +971 585570900
HomesGetaway
A Dubai-based holiday homes platform has offered to help both visitors and residents source accommodation during the disruption period. The team has pledged flexibility and immediate assistance to anyone struggling to find a place to stay.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +97152 336 6319
MoonarcDXB
MoonarcDXB, a Dubai-based holiday homes provider, is offering free apartments to anyone stranded in the city due to flight cancellations caused by the airspace closure. To be eligible, you must hold a valid air ticket. The company has urged anyone in need of a safe place to stay to reach out without hesitation.
- Instagram: @moonarcdxb (Direct DM)
Property Developers Offering Free Accommodation
Danube Properties
Developer Danube Properties shared a post on Instagram on 1 March announcing free accommodation for anyone stranded in Dubai. The company specified that priority would be given to families with children and people older than 70. To apply, reach out to Danube Properties via their official Instagram page.
Peace Homes Development
Peace Homes Development has offered free temporary accommodation to those caught up in the flight disruptions, describing it as support during challenging times.
- For assistance, send them a message on Instagram: @peacehomesdevelopment
Dugasta Properties
Dugasta Properties, a Dubai real estate developer, has made vacant residential units available at no cost to travellers who are unable to leave the country. The company’s founder and chairman, Tauseef Khan, put it simply: with so many people feeling anxious and displaced, opening their doors felt like the only right thing to do. Emergency temporary stay support is available free of charge for those in urgent need.
- Instagram: @dugustaproperties (Direct DM)
Dubai has always been a city that takes care of its own, and right now, that extends to every visitor within its borders.
FAQs
All public and private schools and universities across the UAE are currently on distance learning until Friday, 6 March. Spring break has also been moved forward by one week, now starting Monday, 9 March, with classes resuming on Monday, 23 March.
Yes, the majority of Dubai’s major malls are operating as normal, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Souk Al Bahar and the 40+ malls managed by Dubai Retail. Shops and food courts are open as usual.
A number of major attractions have shut as a precautionary measure, including Global Village, Ain Dubai, and Dubai Parks and Resorts (which covers Motiongate, LEGOLAND, Real Madrid World and Riverland).
Most restaurants are operating normally, particularly those inside malls. A small number of standalone venues have chosen to close temporarily. It is worth checking directly with your restaurant before visiting.
If your phone buzzes with an emergency alert, stop what you are doing and move indoors immediately. Get away from windows and glass and stay inside until you receive an official all-clear message. Do not go outside to film or record what is happening. The alerts are being sent out by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) using cellular broadcast technology.
Images: Official websites
Also Read: Dubai: What Is Closed, What Is Still Running
