As tensions in West Asia leave hundreds of travelers stranded across the United Arab Emirates, an Indian businessman has converted his farmhouse in Ajman into a temporary shelter, offering free accommodation, meals and even luxury car pickups for those unable to return home.
The initiative was spearheaded by UAE-based businessman Dhiraj Jain, who opened his sprawling farmhouse to stranded travelers after the local crisis led to the suspension of flights and the expiration of hotel stays for many visitors. According to people staying at the shelter, the farmhouse has been turned into a relief camp providing accommodation and food until flights are rescheduled.
Jain also deployed 11 vehicles, including six Rolls-Royces, to pick up stranded passengers from hotels and other places and bring them to shelters. Some travelers are even dropped off at the airport after their travel itinerary is confirmed.
The facility has been hosting travelers from various parts of the country, including those from Maharashtra and Gujarat, who have been unable to continue their journey due to the escalating conflict in the region.
Among those who have taken refuge in the camp is Mustafa, an Iranian cyclist and traveler who entered the UAE on a cycling tour from Muscat, Oman. As the situation worsened and he was unable to return home, Mustafa arrived at a farm shelter set up by Zain. Commenting on the initiative, Jain said a humanitarian crisis is a time when people must come forward to help those in need.
Despite the tense situation in the area, several travelers in shelters said they were trying to remain calm even after hearing fighter jets and loud explosions in the sky.
Among the stranded travelers, women are working together to run a communal kitchen, preparing food for themselves and other guests staying at the relief camp.
The humanitarian effort comes amid heightened hostilities in West Asia following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which have led to retaliatory attacks and heightened security alerts in parts of the Gulf region.
As flight schedule uncertainty continues, farm shelters have become temporary refuges for many travelers awaiting a safe return home.
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