UAE’s Arada expands free accommodation for stranded passengers

Arada Foundation has expanded its emergency support for travellers stranded in the UAE due to ongoing flight cancellations, opening more free accommodation in Sharjah’s Aljada community. The foundation, established by the UAE developer, has released an additional 150 rooms at Nest in the Aljada district of Sharjah, offered free of charge to those affected by the current situation.

 

Since 28 February, more than half of the 58,500 flights scheduled to arrive or depart from the Middle East have been cancelled, according to Cirium, leaving millions of travellers stranded across the UAE and beyond. 

 

With disruption continuing across the region, demand for emergency accommodation at Arada’s Nest Hotel – a new midscale property close to Sharjah International Airport – has surged, with the hotel now operating at 95% capacity.

 

An initial allocation of 100 rooms at Nest was quickly filled, prompting the foundation to release a further 50 rooms to accommodate up to 150 families at the wider Nest Campus. Guests provided with emergency housing receive full-board accommodation, including three meals daily, easing immediate financial pressures on affected travellers.

 

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To support those observing Ramadan, Muslim guests are provided with Iftar and Suhour at the Alsimrah Ramadan tent located at East Boulevard in Aljada, ensuring their needs are met in line with the holy month. Rooms at the Nest Campus are being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with stays available for up to seven days.

 

Rosa Piro, Director of Arada Foundation, said: “Supporting communities in times of need both at home and abroad is at the heart of the Arada Foundation’s mission. When we saw how many travellers were affected by flight cancellations, we wanted to ensure that families had a safe and welcoming place to stay while they make their onward plans.

 

"By opening additional rooms at Nest, we hope to extend that support to as many people as possible during this challenging time.”

 

Travellers currently seeking accommodation support can contact the foundation by calling 800-ALJADA to secure a room at Nest.

 

For more information, visit nest-hotel.com