I'm stuck in Dubai after our flight was canceled. I'm paying more than $650 a night for a hotel.
Business Insider
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Kunal Trehan, a luxury interior designer from Cheshire, England, found himself stranded in Dubai after his flight home to the UK was canceled due to mysterious explosions and missile strikes near the city. The 42-year-old arrived on February 20th for a work trip aimed at expanding his business into the UAE. Initially planning to return on February 28th, Trehan’s plans were disrupted when he heard what he thought were demolition sounds while relaxing on the beach adjacent to his hotel. Upon checking his Qatar Airways app, he discovered his flight had been canceled, sparking panic as more explosions and smoke filled the sky.
Trehan and his partner rushed back to the hotel as chaos ensued, with guests and staff alike seeking shelter. The hotel basement became their temporary refuge, where Trehan and others waited for three hours amid rising anxiety. With no clear timeline for departure, Trehan is now paying $670 a night at the luxury Fairmont hotel, a costly consequence of the unfolding conflict. Despite the financial strain, he remains grateful for his safety and ability to afford accommodations, though the uncertainty of when he can return home weighs heavily on him.
The situation highlights the unpredictable risks faced by business travelers in volatile regions. Tre
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/1/2026