Dubai: A Dubai-based Indian businessman has opened his farmhouse to hundreds of tourists stranded in the UAE after flights were suspended due to the regional conflict triggered by Iran’s missile attacks.

Dhiraj Jain, 41, a venture capitalist and real estate developer, offered his 11-bedroom holiday farmhouse in Ajman as temporary accommodation for travellers who were unable to leave the country after airspace closures began on February 28.

Jain shared his offer through several community groups, and the Indian Consulate later circulated the details to tourists who were stuck in the UAE and urgently needed a place to stay.

“We expected around 100 people initially, and we prepared arrangements for that many,” Jain told MAA GULF News. “But at one point nearly 260 people were staying at the Ajman farmhouse, so we quickly arranged additional mattresses, blankets and food.”

Massive Hospitality Effort

As the number of stranded travellers increased, Jain and his team expanded facilities at the 7,000-square-metre property. Tents were installed and hundreds of mattresses were placed inside two large tents and four halls. They also arranged eight portable toilets.

Food supplies were stocked in large quantities to feed guests three times a day. Jain purchased 2,000kg of flour, 1,500kg of rice, 800 litres of cooking oil, 500kg of sugar, 300kg of lentils, 200kg of pickles, 100kg of coffee and 50kg of turmeric. To serve meals, the team used 30,000 disposable plates and 50,000 spoons, along with large amounts of cleaning supplies.

“I felt someone should take care of these people before they return home,” Jain said. “I believe service to people is very important. We live in the UAE and this is our opportunity to give back.”

Community Support and Activities

Jain’s family, friends and staff actively supported the effort. His wife Mamta and children Jainam and Jivika organised yoga sessions, games, movie nights and sports activities to help reduce stress among the guests.

“These travellers were very anxious because of the situation, so we tried to keep them engaged and relaxed,” Jain said.

A team of doctors and nurses also visited the site to conduct quick health checks for visitors ranging in age from one year to 70 years old. Counsellors were brought in to help those who were emotionally distressed after hearing missile interceptions and blast sounds.

Tourists Grateful for the Support

Many stranded travellers said Jain’s gesture brought them comfort during a stressful time.

Seema Oza from Mumbai said her family’s five-day holiday turned into an uncertain stay after flights were cancelled.

“We were frightened by the loud blast sounds and worried about the cost of hotel stays,” she said. “But here we feel safe and peaceful. The Jain family stays with us, eats with us and checks on everything. It feels like family.”

Another traveller, Anil Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, said the support relieved a major burden.

“We were worried about accommodation and food costs when our return flight on March 1 was cancelled,” he said. “At one point more than 260 people were here, but it felt like a family environment. We finally feel safe.”

Situation in the Region

According to authorities, the UAE intercepted more than 200 Iranian ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles and about 1,100 drones since the attacks began. The strikes reportedly killed three people and injured 112.

While the UAE government has promised to cover accommodation costs for stranded tourists and waive visa overstay fines, airports have gradually resumed limited commercial flights, and some countries have begun evacuation and repatriation operations.

Since the conflict began, around 300 tourists have stayed at Jain’s farmhouse. Many were able to depart once flights resumed on a limited basis, though dozens remain waiting for confirmed flights back home.