Food, medical check-ups & more: How Indian businessmen are helping stranded tourists in UAE

The US-Israel-Iran conflict has entered day 11, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is caught completely in the fog of this war, resulting in the disruption of several flights across the nation. Amid this, many travellers, currently stuck and unable to leave the country, are weighing different options to navigate the situation.

As uncertainty grows, Indian businessmen and real estate developers living in the UAE have stepped in to assist stranded tourists, unknowingly doubling up as saviours.

Dhiraj Jain, who lives in the UAE, has helped over 200 Indians stranded in Dubai by turning his farmhouse into temporary accommodation, while Yogesh Doshi, the chairman of Al Mizan Group, a Dubai-based real estate developer, has opened all 64 apartments in his residential building to Indians.

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Who are Dhiraj Jain and Yogesh Doshi helping stranded Indians?

Dhiraj Jain is a businessman living in the UAE, who reportedly hails from Merta city in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. He has been working in the real estate sector in the emirate for the last 11 years.

Jain has stepped in to help Indians stranded in the Gulf region amid rising tensions in West Asia. He has assisted over 200 Indians who were suddenly stuck after their flights were cancelled as the war escalated.

Yogesh Doshi is the chairman of Al Mizan Group, a Dubai-based real estate developer, NDTV reported. According to the group's LinkedIn profile, Al Mizan Group's vision is to contribute positively to the city's development and progress.

Doshi has opened his entire residential building comprising 64 apartments to assist Indians, who are currently stranded.

A refuge for Indians in war-hit Dubai

As the war deepened and panic rose, Jain decided to open his 11-room farmhouse in Ajman, a few kilometres from Dubai.

Mattresses were laid out across halls and tents, and portable toilets were brought in. Meals were prepared in large quantities. Around 2,000 kg of flour, 1,500 kg of rice, 800 litres of cooking oil, 500 kg of sugar, 300 kg of lentils, 200 kg of pickles, 100 kg of coffee, and 50 kg of turmeric were brought by Jain and his helpers, reported Times of India (TOI).

Efforts were made to ensure people’s comfort and safety. The farmhouse was transformed into a lively refuge for around 300 people for nearly a week. Some children were barely a year old; some were seniors over 70.

Jain's wife, Mamta, along with their children, Jainam and Jivika, also helped organise activities to keep people's spirits high. In the mornings, a yoga session was set up. Games like musical chairs and badminton kept people engaged during the day.  Medical check-ups were also arranged, as stress and anxiety were high among visitors.

While Jain and his family were at the centre of coordination, other volunteers and community groups also made efforts.

The national vice president of the India People's Forum, Shilpa Nair, reportedly coordinated with the Indian consulate to direct stranded passengers to Jain’s farmhouse.

"I felt at peace being among people rather than isolated in a hotel," said Seema Oza, who was visiting from Mumbai. Anil Kumar from Uttar Pradesh described his experience as “feeling like family,” despite the external turmoil, ToI reported.

Jain's act of kindness caught the attention of the famous Indian industrialist, Anand Mahindra. Taking to his X handle, he thanked the Indian businessman, saying, "When recent flight disruptions left several Indian families stranded in Dubai, Dhiraj Jain opened the doors of his farmhouse and welcomed them in. A wonderful reminder that the Indian ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava” should travel with us wherever we go."

"Sometimes all it takes is one person opening a door…to restore people’s faith in each other. Salute to you, Dhiraj." Jain's decision to help stranded tourists became Mahindra’s "Monday motivation."

How Doshi helped stuck Indians

Yogesh Doshi opened his entire residential building, comprising 64 apartments, to stranded Indians in the city, offering free accommodation with basic amenities, including food.

Doshi stated that the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Indian People’s Forum UAE and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. It has provided temporary shelter to over 125 Indians, including families with children, so far during this challenging period.

Stranded Indians Mohit Vachhani, along with Riya Makadia, Paras Bhalodia and Grishma Bhalodia, hailed Doshi's effort, "We were in a very difficult situation. Our hotel stay had ended, and we had to leave, but there were no clear travel options. At that moment, we were told about this accommodation, and it was a huge relief for us," NDTV reported.

According to them, the facility accorded them a safe place to stay during uncertain times.

What's the latest in the US-Israel-Iran war?

Tensions across West Asia have intensified, and over 1200 people have been killed in Iran following the start of US-Israeli attacks on February 28, 2026.

Amid the rising escalation, US President Donald Trump asserted that he expects the war with Iran to end “very soon,” praising US-Israel operations as among the most complex military strikes ever carried out.

Following Trump's remark, oil prices, which had surged more than 25 per cent earlier in the day to their highest levels since mid-2022 amid supply cuts and fears of shipping disruptions, stabilised subsequently.

Meanwhile, Iran continues its attacks on the UAE. The country's air defences said that they were responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from the Islamic Republic.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that sounds heard across parts of the country are caused by interception operations. “UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones,” UAE Ministry of Defence said in a post on X.

According to the ministry,  since the start of the Iranian attacks, 253 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 233 were destroyed, 18 fell into the sea, and two landed within the country. A total of 1,440 Iranian UAVs have also been detected, of which 1,359 were intercepted, while 81 fell within the country’s territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

With inputs from agencies