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Abu Dhabi to cover hotel costs for stranded guests

DCT Abu Dhabi directs hotels to extend stays and cover extra costs

Last updated: March 01, 2026 | 18:55

Nivetha Dayanand, Assistant Business Editor

2 MIN READ

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Abu Dhabi moves to protect stranded hotel guests.

WAM

Dubai: Abu Dhabi authorities have instructed hotels across the emirate to extend the stays of guests who are unable to travel due to the current circumstances, with the government confirming it will cover the cost of the additional nights.

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The directive was issued through a formal circular by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to hotel operators, signalling a coordinated response to protect international visitors and prevent travellers from being left without accommodation.

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Stay extensions until departure

The circular referenced Law No. 8 of 2018, which established the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and granted it the mandate to develop and oversee the emirate's tourism sector.

“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 circular stated.

Hotels were instructed to allow affected guests to remain in their rooms beyond their original booking dates if they are unable to leave the country.

Government to bear additional costs

The department confirmed that the financial burden of extended stays will not fall on guests or hotel operators.

“The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi,” the circular said.

Hotels were asked to submit all related invoices directly to the department via the dedicated email address bcmoperations@dctabudhabi.ae.

For further clarification, properties were advised to contact the Business Continuity Team on 026576283.

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The directive ensures that visitors are not required to vacate accommodation during a period when travel options remain uncertain, easing immediate financial pressure on travellers who may otherwise face unexpected expenses.

By absorbing the cost of extended stays, authorities have moved to stabilise the hospitality sector while protecting the emirate’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination for international visitors.

Nivetha DayanandAssistant Business Editor

Nivetha Dayanand is Assistant Business Editor at Gulf News, where she spends her days unpacking money, markets, aviation, and the big shifts shaping life in the Gulf. Before returning to Gulf News, she launched Finance Middle East, complete with a podcast and video series. Her reporting has taken her from breaking spot news to long-form features and high-profile interviews. Nivetha has interviewed Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud, Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and N. Chandrababu Naidu, IMF’s Jihad Azour, and a long list of CEOs, regulators, and founders who are reshaping the region’s economy. An Erasmus Mundus journalism alum, Nivetha has shared classrooms and newsrooms with journalists from more than 40 countries, which probably explains her weakness for data, context, and a good follow-up question. When she is away from her keyboard (AFK), you are most likely to find her at the gym with an Eminem playlist, bingeing One Piece, or exploring games on her PS5.