Russia-Ukraine crisis: Over 1,000 Ukrainian tourists stranded in UAE

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Over 1,000 Ukrainian tourists stranded in UAE

In shock and panic, distressed Ukrainians find support in UAE; worry about relatives back home

Published: Sat 26 Feb 2022, 8:55 PM

In shock and despair, over 1,000 Ukrainian tourists in the UAE found themselves stranded overnight when Russia launched a full-scale military operation in the East European country on Thursday night.

Travel agencies said they are coordinating with the Consulate of Ukraine in Dubai to support the large number of distressed Ukranian visitors with low-budget accommodations, free transport, as well as flight bookings to nearby countries in Europe.

Sirak Muradyan, chairman of Sharjah-based Al Khalidiah Tourism Group of Companies, told Khaleej Times that the agency is offering all-inclusive accommodation for Ukranian tourists at two of its facilities, Royal Hotel and Al Khalidiah Resort, for a rate of $25 (around Dh90) a night.

Free transport is organised to bring in the visitors to the facilities.

The tourism agency is in talks with a group of hotels to facilitate affordable stays for financially-distressed Ukrainian visitors who are unable to return home as Ukraine closed down its airspace following the war.

Similar support has been provided by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority that secured free full-board accommodation for existing Ukrainian hotel guests in the emirate until the end