When flights across the Gulf were grounded in March 2026, Arabnb opened its Dubai holiday homes to stranded travellers free of charge. The story reached almost 4 million people within days and was covered by Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The National, Conde Nast Traveller and international media.
What happened
On the night of 28 February 2026, regional airspace closures cancelled hundreds of flights and left thousands of travellers stranded across the UAE with nowhere to stay. That evening we posted a simple message on Instagram: if you are stranded in Dubai, our vacant apartments are yours for the night, free of charge.
Within five hours every vacant Arabnb home was occupied by stranded families. The post reached almost 4 million people and gathered over 35,000 likes. We are part of a community of around 250 holiday home hosts in Dubai, and after seeing the initiative many of them opened their own doors. Together with platforms like Livjaza, what began as one company’s gesture grew into an industry response that helped hundreds of travellers find a safe place to stay.
“People were anxious and just needed to hear that someone was looking out for them. Our team stepped up and handled it with a lot of heart.”
Hreshan Raheja, CEO of Arabnb, speaking to Khaleej Times
The coverage
The initiative was reported by local and international media. Read the original articles:
- Gulf News: Dubai holiday home company offers free stays to stranded tourists
- Khaleej Times: Dubai firm offers free stays to stranded travellers amid flight cancellations
- The National: ‘We’re here’: Companies and communities in the UAE open doors for tourists in need
- Conde Nast Traveller Middle East: With travellers left stranded by strikes, these Dubai residents opened their homes
- Khaleej Times: UAE businesses offer free home repairs, hotel stays and meals in support
- Time Out Dubai: Dubai businesses supporting the community in March 2026
- Travels Dubai: UAE authorities and businesses step in to support stranded travellers
- Brut India: When Dubai residents opened their doors to stranded Indians
Why this matters when you book with us
We manage around 40 luxury holiday homes with some of the most iconic views in Dubai, from Burj Khalifa facing apartments in Downtown to beachfront residences on Palm Jumeirah. The team that worked through the night for stranded strangers is the same team on WhatsApp when you check in. When you book directly with us, you are dealing with people who treat guests the way these articles describe.
Browse our Dubai holiday homes and book direct for the best rate.
For property owners
Landlords trust us with over AED 100M in Dubai property, because how a company behaves under pressure says more than any brochure. If you own a property in Dubai and want it managed by a team the national press writes about for the right reasons, we should talk.
Learn about our property management services or contact us to set up a meeting.