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.

Abu Dhabi plays the gracious host

Contrast this with Abu Dhabi, where Hungarians report seamless, gratis extensions—no quibbles, no queues.

Official figures show 5,059 Hungarians registered for consular protection, 2,167 of them in the UAE. Authorities urge everyone to stay put: flights are grounded, and land borders snarl with endless lines. Chat groups now swap tips on local bargains instead.

Homeward bound? Don’t hold your breath

Return flights remain a pipe dream, with Iranian missiles and drones shuttering airspace across the region. Even budget carrier Wizz Air has warned of no services until at least 7 March. President Trump pegs Iran’s “campaign” at three to four weeks—ruling out any swift ceasefire for civilian jets.

The no-fly zone blankets Iran, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. Nearest escapes? Oman or Saudi Arabia, where tickets cost six or seven times the norm.

From airport pandemonium to patchy aid

One passenger recounted the post-28 February US-Israeli strike chaos: some airports rallied with water and food handouts, while others descended into utter mayhem and bewilderment.

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