Some UAE Hotels Raise Rates to Dh8,000 a Night as Floods Strand Residents

Dubai’s record rainfall has left many residents facing flooded homes and a scramble for accommodation. But amidst the chaos, some hotels have come under fire for allegedly raising room rates during this difficult time.

Tourists and residents whose homes became uninhabitable due to the floods are forced to seek refuge in hotels. However, they’re facing a new challenge – inflated accommodation prices.

Social media and online forums are buzzing with complaints. Many, like Mona Ireland, a former UAE resident visiting family, find the situation “unethical.” She arrived just a week ago and booked a room for a reasonable price, but extending her stay due to the floods has become unexpectedly expensive. Other tourists like Alex Jackson and his friend are stuck with limited options, unable to afford the skyrocketing hotel rates or readily available flights.

Despite reaching out to hotels across Dubai, Arab Times received no comment on the pricing concerns. One anonymous hotel staffer defended the practice, claiming all hotels have raised rates and they “must follow suit.”

While hotels grapple with the pricing controversy, authorities are urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel, especially to the airport with limited flights operating.

The impact isn’t limited to hotels. Rising demand for taxis has reportedly led to inflated fares, with some experiencing rides costing over Dh700 within the city.

As Dubai recovers from the floods, questions remain about the hotel industry’s response. Did they prioritize profit over people in distress? The coming days will reveal the full extent of the damage and the steps taken to navigate this challenging situation.