Dubai: As tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt travel and daily life across the region, hundreds of Indian travellers found themselves stranded in the United Arab Emirates after multiple flights were cancelled. With uncertainty mounting and accommodation becoming scarce, two Indian businessmen stepped forward to provide shelter and assistance to those left without options.
In Dubai, Indian entrepreneur Yogesh Doshi, chairman of the Al Mizan Group, opened the doors of his residential building to stranded Indians seeking safety and a place to stay. The building, which houses 64 apartments, has been made available free of charge for travellers affected by the sudden flight suspensions.
The temporary accommodation includes basic facilities such as meals and a safe place to rest. The initiative is being coordinated with the Indian People’s Forum in the UAE and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to identify and assist those in urgent need of help.
According to organisers, more than 125 Indian nationals, including families travelling with children, have already been accommodated in the apartments. Many of them had been struggling to find lodging after their travel plans were abruptly cancelled, leaving them anxious and uncertain about when they would be able to return home.
For those staying at the facility, the gesture has brought much-needed relief. Several travellers described the arrangement as a lifeline during a stressful situation, offering them both security and stability while they wait for flights to resume.
A similar effort is underway in Ajman, where another Indian businessman has transformed his farmhouse into a temporary shelter for stranded travellers. Dhiraj Jain, originally from Rajasthan and based in the UAE, has opened the property to people who have run out of funds or accommodation options.
The farmhouse is providing free meals and lodging, helping many travellers who were struggling to manage unexpected expenses caused by the travel disruptions. In addition to the shelter, Jain has arranged transportation to bring stranded passengers from various parts of the city to the facility. A fleet of 11 vehicles, including several luxury cars, has been deployed to assist with the transportation effort.
The travel chaos follows rising tensions in the Middle East after a series of military developments earlier this year. Joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran at the end of February triggered retaliatory actions and heightened security concerns across the region, prompting flight cancellations and travel advisories.
As the situation remains uncertain, community-led initiatives like these have played a crucial role in helping stranded travellers cope with the crisis. For many Indians caught far from home, the generosity of fellow countrymen has provided not only shelter but also reassurance during a difficult time.
