Hungarians stuck in the UAE unable to foot Dubai hotel bills – hoteliers know nothing about state promise

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó hailed a lifeline from the UAE yesterday, claiming their counterpart had pledged state support for all tourists—including Hungarians—stranded by Iranian attacks. Yet reports from the ground paint a far grimmer picture: Dubai hoteliers keep telling to Hungarian touritsts that no such official word has reached them, leaving thousands of our compatrits to cough up for every sun lounger and snack.

Dubai hotels demand cash from stuck Hungarian tourists

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, Hungarian families in the UAE were blindsided when hotel staff insisted on advance payment for rooms and meals—precisely what the promised state aid was meant to cover. Drawing from Facebook groups buzzing with frustration, the site reveals hotel owners have seen no government directive on reimbursements.

Managers advised guests to settle up now and claim back later from the state; others in the “Ask About Dubai” (“Kérdezz Dubajról”) group were bluntly told the promise was “fake news”. Some, desperate, have ditched their hotels for cheaper digs.

Meanwhile, The National reported on a circular from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi). It urges accommodation providers to extend tourists’ stays “until they are able to depart”—with all costs kindly covered by the authority itself.