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From accommodation, rebooking to hot meals: How the UAE is caring for stranded travellers during flight disruptions

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Thousands of international visitors affected by temporary airspace closures in the UAE are receiving coordinated support from authorities, airlines and hotels as the country prioritises safety and passenger welfare.

While flight operations remain suspended due to regional developments, UAE authorities have activated contingency plans to ensure travellers are accommodated, informed and assisted during the disruption.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that passenger safety remains the highest priority, with close coordination between airports, airlines and government entities to manage the evolving situation.

Accommodation and hospitality support 

In a move welcomed by visitors, authorities confirmed that the UAE is covering hosting and accommodation costs for affected transit passengers.

Over 20,000 travellers have already been assisted through integrated response measures, including:

  • Temporary accommodation
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Rebooking coordination
  • Rerouting support where possible

Hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been directed to extend stays for guests unable to depart due to the temporary closures. Establishments have been instructed to prioritise guest welfare and ensure visitors are not asked to vacate rooms under exceptional circumstances.

The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, has issued a circular to hotels requesting that guests unable to depart due to circumstances beyond their control be allowed to extend their stay, with the cost of the extension covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.

Airlines offer flexible travel options

Major UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have introduced flexible rebooking and refund policies to support affected passengers.

International airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have also adjusted schedules and offered flexibility.

Travellers are being encouraged to monitor official airline websites and mobile apps for real-time updates.

Tourism and public services operating normally

Despite air travel disruptions, daily life across the UAE continues as normal.

Malls, beaches, theme parks and cultural attractions remain open and operational. Public services are functioning smoothly, and standard safety protocols remain in place.

Authorities have reassured residents and visitors that the situation is being closely monitored and managed with a strong focus on safety and stability.

Clear guidance and communication

Government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Interior and the General Civil Aviation Authority, are providing regular updates through official channels to ensure accurate information reaches the public.

Passengers have been advised not to proceed to airports without confirming their flight status, as airlines continue to communicate directly with affected travellers.

Coordinated response

Officials described the response as a whole-of-government effort aimed at minimising inconvenience while maintaining the highest safety standards.

While the situation remains dynamic and dependent on regional developments, authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring normal operations as soon as conditions permit.

For now, stranded tourists are being supported through structured contingency plans,  underscoring the UAE’s emphasis on preparedness, coordination and visitor welfare.

(Photo courtesy: Abu Dhabi News)









With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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UAE weather: Cooler weekend ahead but watch out for strong winds

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The UAE is set for another hot day on Friday before weather conditions begin to shift over the weekend, bringing dust, stronger winds, and slightly cooler temperatures across parts of the country.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Friday’s weather will remain generally fair, although temperatures are expected to rise slightly in several areas.

Inland regions could see temperatures climb between 40°C and 46°C, while coastal and island areas are forecast to reach between 36°C and 42°C. Mountainous areas will remain comparatively cooler, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C.

Winds are expected to stay light to moderate during the day but may strengthen at times, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h and creating rougher sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf later at night. The Oman Sea is expected to remain slight to moderate.

The weather is then forecast to change on Saturday, with dust and blowing sand likely to affect parts of the UAE as winds become more active. Temperatures are also expected to ease slightly compared to Friday.

By Sunday, skies could turn partly cloudy, especially in eastern areas, while humidity levels are expected to increase overnight and into Monday morning across some coastal and internal regions. Forecasters also warned of possible mist formation in western areas during the early morning hours.

Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to rise again gradually, with generally fair to partly cloudy weather continuing across the country. Sea conditions are also forecast to improve, becoming calmer in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea by early next week.

The shifting conditions come as the UAE moves deeper into the summer season, with residents already experiencing rising temperatures and occasional dusty weather patterns across several emirates.

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Dubai announces new VAT charges on parking and Salik

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Dubai motorists are set to see a noticeable change in how they pay for parking and toll services from June 1, after both Parkin and Salik confirmed that a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) will officially apply to several services across the city.

The update means drivers using public parking, toll gates and related services will now pay slightly more as part of the UAE’s tax regulations.

According to Parkin, VAT will apply to on-street and off-street parking, seasonal parking cards, permits and reservation services. Meanwhile, Salik confirmed the same tax will also be added to toll gate charges and Salik tag activation fees starting from the same date.

The companies said the collected VAT will be transferred to the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority in line with existing tax laws.

But the changes do not stop there.

Fully cashless payment

In another major shift, Dubai is also moving one step closer towards becoming a fully cashless city. Parkin confirmed that cash payments at parking meters across Dubai will be phased out from June 1 as part of the emirate’s wider digital transformation strategy.

Drivers will still be able to pay for parking using several digital methods, including:

  • The Parkin app
  • SMS parking payments
  • Dubai Now app
  • RTA app
  • Nol cards

The move is expected to make parking payments faster and more streamlined, while reducing the need for cash transactions across the city.

For many motorists, the changes may slightly increase day-to-day driving costs, especially for residents who regularly use paid parking zones and Salik gates during daily commutes.

Dubai has increasingly been expanding smart mobility and cashless services in recent years, with digital transport systems, app-based payments and AI-powered parking technology becoming a larger part of the city’s infrastructure.

Parkin has advised customers to follow its official channels for additional updates and guidance as the new system rolls out.

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Traffic alert: New diversion announced on Sharjah’s Al Khan Road starting Friday

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Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Al Khan Road as part of ongoing road expansion and bridge construction works aimed at improving traffic flow across the emirate.

The diversion will take effect from Friday, with authorities urging motorists to follow approved detour routes and traffic instructions during the construction period.

According to the authority, the works are part of wider infrastructure upgrades designed to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity in one of Sharjah’s busiest traffic corridors.

Drivers have been advised to plan journeys, use alternative routes where possible and comply with traffic safety guidelines to help maintain smooth traffic movement in the area.

The project forms part of Sharjah’s broader transport development strategy focused on upgrading road networks and supporting the emirate’s growing population and mobility needs.

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