'No One Should Feel Alone': UAE Developers Offer Free Homes To Stranded Travellers

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Some companies received over 2,000 requests for help through various channels as they helped house hundreds of visitors

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When flight cancellations and airspace closures left thousands of travellers stranded in the UAE, individual home rental companies and developers across the country stepped up to help by opening their doors to those in need.

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UAE-based Peace Homes Development was one of the first to answer the call. “During the current situation, when airspace closures left many visitors unable to return home, we felt it was our duty to step forward,” said Ahsan Rasheed, Chairman of the company.

“No one asked us to do this. Our love and respect for this country and its leadership naturally encourage us to stand up and help whenever needed.”

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According to Rasheed, the company received more than 2,000 requests for help through various channels. “We arranged free accommodation for hundreds of stranded visitors, while continuing to expand support,” he said. “We believe that when visitors eventually return to their countries, they should remember not only the beauty of Dubai but also the kindness and humanity they experienced here during a difficult time.”

A personal mission

Popular real estate company Danube also volunteered its apartments. For the company’s founder and chairman, Rizwan Sajan, the decision was deeply personal.

“Offering free accommodation to those stranded in Dubai is our way of ensuring that no one feels alone during this crisis,” he said. “I have personally experienced moments of uncertainty during my time in Kuwait, and I understood the fear and helplessness many were facing.”

The company accommodated over 600 stranded people and has continued extending support to many more. “Families and senior citizens remain our top priority, and we are also arranging hotel stays where required,” he said. “Those in need can directly message the Danube Properties Instagram account, and our team will reach out to them.”

A sector-wide effort

The holiday home sector also mobilised to help families struggling to find affordable accommodation as prices began to skyrocket.

Livjaza, a local holiday home rental marketplace, was among those that stepped in. According to CEO Ramneek Singh Dhir, over 100 operators in their network offered reduced nightly rates and complimentary nights to stranded families. “To further assist travellers, Livjaza removed all platform fees, enabling bookings at 15 to 20 per cent lower prices than international platforms,” he said.

“With this rapid, collective response, the UAE’s holiday home sector came together to support visitors during unexpected disruptions.” He added that more than 50 guests have already been accommodated through their network, with over 500 stranded travellers reaching out for help.

Airas Vacation Home Rental was among the companies offering rooms at discounted rates. “We had about four families that were stranded in the UAE unable to return,” said Sidharth Lalwani, Sales Head of the company. “We offered our rooms at a 40-50 per cent discount compared to prices last month. It was budget-friendly for these families, and it meant they had one less thing to worry about.”

A family’s story

For Belgian tourist Michaël Crepin, the help came at a critical moment. He had travelled to Dubai with his son, his Serbian partner, and her daughter to celebrate their birthdays - a trip meant to be the children’s first meeting as a blended family. They were preparing to leave when the cancellations began.

Crepin described the situation as “super challenging”, trying to manage two children with no routine while juggling endless calls to rebook flights and watching hotel costs pile up. “Back in Serbia and Belgium, our pets are in paid care,” he said. “Work was waiting. Real life was just paused. What was supposed to be our children’s beautiful first meeting became a test we never signed up for. We were barely holding up.”

It was at this low point that Livjaza stepped in to help the family find an affordable apartment. “We felt heard and supported in a crisis,” said Crepin. “It showed us that the human touch matters.”

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