Gujarati Developers in UAE Open Homes to Stranded Indians Amid Regional Tensions
As geopolitical tensions simmer in the Middle East, with the Iran-Israel-US conflict disrupting international travel, a heartwarming story of community solidarity has emerged from Dubai. Hundreds of Indians, primarily tourists and middle-class families, found themselves stranded as flights were canceled and airfares skyrocketed. In response, a group of Gujarati expatriates, led by real estate developer Yogesh Doshi, has stepped up to provide free shelter and support, turning fear into comfort in a foreign land.
Yogesh Doshi's Generous Gesture: 20 Apartments Offered Free of Charge
At the forefront of this effort is Yogesh Doshi, chairman of Al Mizan Group in Dubai, who has called the desert city home for nearly three decades. When the conflict led to flight disruptions, Doshi quietly unlocked 20 apartments in one of his prime properties, a recently completed 64-unit project in south Dubai. With no rent or conditions, his simple promise was: "No Indian should panic here." This initiative, coordinated with the Indian consulate and the Indian People's Forum (IPF) UAE, has already provided free lodging and boarding to approximately 250 Indians since March 2.
As of Wednesday, over 25 individuals continue to stay in these apartments, awaiting normalized flight schedules or stabilized fares. Many cannot afford the soaring ticket prices, which have reached Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh per person for return trips to India. Doshi, whose family hails from Kutch's Rapar and previously worked in Surat and Kenya, emphasizes that the situation in Dubai is less alarming than perceived externally. "Work is going on as usual," he says. "But when people come to us, they're often in panic, especially those travelling with children. The least we can do is offer them calm, safety, and dignity."
Community Support Extends Beyond Accommodation
The support network extends beyond Doshi's apartments. His elder brother, Ashok Doshi, vice-president of IPF UAE, highlights their comprehensive approach: "We want to allay their fears and show them we stand with them. Apart from the food, we arranged for medicines, basic support and toys for the children." To lift spirits, a screening of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final was organized on Sunday, with a large screen set up in the complex for communal viewing.
Reflecting on his motivation, Yogesh Doshi notes, "Giving back isn't a choice. It's in a Gujarati's blood. We received immense support when we were trying to find our feet in Dubai." This sentiment of hospitality is echoed by other community members, including Marwari businessman Dhiraj Jain, associated with IPF, who opened his 11-bedroom farmhouse on 2 acres near the Ajman emirate. Jain provided 11 cars, including luxury vehicles, to ferry stranded Indians to and from the airport, a gesture praised by M&M chairperson Anand Mahindra on social media.
Jain, whose family has lived in Pune for generations, explains, "We have games on the premises and are prepared to host up to 500 persons at a time. We have hosted up to 350 so far. This is the time to put the virtue of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava' into practice. We can understand the plight of those stranded here. We are doing our best to help them."
Broader Community Efforts in the UAE
The spirit of assistance extends across the UAE. Volunteers from the BAPS Hindu Mandir have welcomed stranded Indians into their homes, with the temple in Abu Dhabi offering accommodation and support, as confirmed by Pranav Desai, director of BAPS Hindu Mandir. Additionally, a community group formed by expatriate Indian women, ‘Ame Gujarati in UAE', has stepped forward to guide tourists. Vipruta Vagadiya, a resident of Sharjah, states, "We are sharing important contact numbers and information with tourists who need help in this time of crisis."
This collective effort underscores the resilience and compassion of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, transforming a challenging situation into an opportunity for unity and care. As tensions persist in the region, these acts of kindness serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that community bonds can transcend geopolitical uncertainties.
