Dubai hotels ‘prioritising guest safety’ amid Middle East conflict

Luxury hotels across Dubai are “prioritising guest safety and wellbeing” amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The US-Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes, which began on February 28, have prompted widespread travel disruption across the region.

Dubai International Airport resumed a partial service on Monday evening (March 2), with Emirates operating a “limited number” of flights. Customers with earlier bookings have been prioritised, but the airline’s main schedule remains suspended until further notice.

Luxury resorts across Dubai are operating eased cancellation policies and flexible extensions for stranded travellers while “closely monitoring” the situation to ensure guest safety.

Bvlgari Resort Dubai said its team “promptly activated all established safety protocols”, preparing dedicated shelter areas to accommodate guests “comfortably and securely”.

A statement from the property said: “The safety and wellbeing of the guests and employees remain the highest priority. The team personally contacted each guest to ensure their wellbeing, provide updates and offer access to the shelter facilities at any time.”

The resort said it was extending “flexibility” to guests whose travel has been impacted by the situation.

The Lana, part of the Dorchester Collection, has also implemented relaxed booking restrictions for affected travellers.

A spokesperson for the property said: “For guests whose travel plans have been impacted by the temporary airspace closure, The Lana is offering flexible stay extensions.

“Our reservations and front office teams are proactively assisting with amendments, preferential extension rates and any additional arrangements required to ensure comfort and peace of mind during this period.”

An “eased cancellation policy” has also been introduced by Accor, which operates multiple properties in Dubai under brands including Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Duncan O’Rourke, Accor’s executive officer for the premium, midscale and economy division for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, said: “Accor is committed to supporting our guests and will update policies as the situation evolves."

Properties in Dubai reported working “around the clock” to assist guests and monitor the guidance and updates from the United Arab Emirates government and relevant local authorities.

A spokesperson from The Lana said: “Guests have been advised to remain indoors in line with official advice. Our team is available around the clock to assist guests as needed.”

Luxury hotels Fairmont The Palm and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab issued statements on Saturday (February 28) after being hit by debris from intercepted drones.

Fairmont The Palm said an incident had taken place “in the vicinity” of the property, with debris reported in a nearby car park.

O’Rourke said: “The safety and wellbeing of our guests, visitors, and team members remain our highest priority. We can confirm that there have been no casualties or injuries among hotel guests or team members.

“Four individuals present in the parking area sustained injuries and were transferred to medical facilities, and our thoughts are with them and their families at this time.”

He added: “We are grateful for [the authorities’] swift response and ongoing support. Hotel teams remain vigilant, with established safety and security protocols fully in place.”

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab said the property had experienced a “minor fire” on its outer facade.

A statement said: “Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported. The safety and comfort of our guests remain our highest priority, and our teams are on hand to provide support as needed.”

Agents across the UK have been working “around the clock” to support clients currently travelling in the Middle East, many of whom are in Dubai.

Picture credit: Shutterstock/Kirill Neiezhmakov