From facilities management firms pledging free home repairs to homegrown F&B brands cooking for anyone in need, these initiatives show how business resources can be repurposed for relief in times of distress.
What began as a handful of offers on Instagram has quickly evolved into a wave of socialpreneurship, where profits took a backseat and community care became part of the business model:
1) Free home repair services
Renovo, a Dubai-based facilities management and property maintenance company that services villas, homes, and buildings across the city, has pledged to repair every home affected during the current conflict free of charge.
“This land stood for us. Now we stand for it. Renovo will repair every home affected during this conflict free of charge,” the brand shared on Instagram.
For founder Samiul Khan, who has been in Dubai for 19 years and has spent 16 of those running renovation works in the city, this initiative is an extension of a long-standing ethos rather than a one-off gesture.
“We’ve done charitable work for the government before, like the autism centre,” says the Scottish expat. “We used to do free maintenance for the centre that was in Satwa… And with mosques as well, we’ve worked with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. We’ve done renovations for imams’ residences and makeovers.”
For Khan, the decision to offer free home repairs came from an already existing, robust ecosystem that allows him to mobilise quickly if a home is damaged. “If anyone needs our help, we’re going to go and rebuild, repaint, fix whatever it is, and get them back into their homes as quickly as possible,” he adds. “I have enough partners and suppliers in Dubai to get it sorted. It’s not always about money for our company, we’ve been doing this for a long, long time.”
2) Stay, food, home repair
Adding to the growing momentum, Imtiaz Developments — a Dubai-based real estate developer known for its premium residential projects across the city — issued a formal statement outlining a multi-layered support initiative that goes beyond just accommodation.
“In moments of difficulty, responsibility is not optional, it is a duty,” the company stated.
Imtiaz Developments has pledged complimentary complete home repair services for anyone affected, echoing similar commitments from facilities firms. But it also extended its support further, covering hotel stay expenses for tourists in need of accommodation, and offering financial assistance to families requiring immediate support for essential food supplies to ensure “no one goes without basic necessities.”
2) Free stay assistance and shelter
Accommodation has been one of the most pressing needs as travellers find themselves stranded in Dubai or unable to continue their journeys. Several property developers and hospitality players have stepped forward with temporary stay assistance.
Danube Properties
Danube Properties, one of Dubai’s well-known real estate developers with a portfolio of residential projects in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Silicon Oasis, has offered free stay for those seeking urgent shelter.
“Offering free accommodation in Danube Properties to those stranded in Dubai is our way of ensuring that no one feels alone during this crisis,” says Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman, Danube Group. “The government is making every possible effort to support the community, and this is our small contribution to those commendable efforts.”
Peace Homes Developments, a Dubai real estate developer known for delivering modern, luxury-oriented residential projects also stepped in with a public offer.
“If you or someone you know is stranded in Dubai, we are providing FREE temporary accommodation in support during this challenging times. Priority will be given to families with pregnant women, children, and the elderly,” they shared on Instagram.
Another leading real estate developer, Dugasta Properties, has also since taken to social media to announce its support.
“In challenging times, humanity comes first. Emergency temporary stay support available free of charge for those stranded and in urgent need. DM @dugastaproperties,” the company shared, reinforcing how quickly real estate players have repurposed private inventory into immediate relief.
“Dubai has given us opportunity, stability, and growth. Today, if even a few families feel anxious or displaced and need a safe place to stay, we feel it is our duty to open our doors,” says Tauseef Khan, founder and chairman at Dugasta Properties.
3) Food as comfort and connection
Petite Gourmet Dubai
At a time when anxiety is high, a hot meal can be both a source of comfort and normalcy. Petite Gourmet Dubai, a homegrown brand, has launched a food initiative aimed at stranded and vulnerable individuals, with a special focus on the service industry and delivery riders.
“As a responsible, Dubai-grown brand, we had taken an initiative to support stranded and vulnerable individuals across the UAE by providing freshly prepared hygienic meals during these challenging times,” says founder Karishma Samtani.
She emphasises that they are willing to “join hands with Hotels or any such organisations that can help us reach the audience who need this,” adding, “We believe we can collectively make a meaningful impact in the community.”
The turning point for Petite Gourmet was seeing delivery riders working through the uncertainty, Samtani adds. “Riders/people who worked tirelessly through it all, they deserve comfort too, right? And food is the ultimate comfort attached to any form of normality during these trying times,” she says, urging anyone who wants to order these boxes to distribute or donate to reach out via Instagram @petitegourmetdubai.
Querida Mexican Restaurant
Extending that circle of care at a hyper-local level, Querida DXB, a Mexican restaurant based in Al Barsha, has opened its doors not just as a dining joint, but as a community space.
“For Al Barsha residents and nearby or passing by… In times like these, community matters most. If you need a place to work, rest, or just breathe for a while, our space is open to you,” the restaurant shared.
Beyond free Wi-Fi and a safe, calm environment from 9am to midnight (and beyond), Querida has also introduced complimentary iftar support. From 6pm to 7:30pm, the restaurant is offering a free burrito, beverage and dates to anyone breaking their fast.
4) Rental stays, fees waived
Support has also come from the vacation rental and holiday homes segment, where platforms that typically monetise short stays are prioritising solidarity over revenue.
AraBnB Holiday Homes Dubai was among the first to publicly offer free-of-charge stays to people stranded or in need of overnight shelter, posting: “If you’re stranded in Dubai tonight, we’re opening up a few of our apartments for the night.”
On the other hand, LivJaza, a UAE-born curated travel marketplace for vacation rentals, has also stepped in by waiving platform fees to make stays more affordable for both residents and tourists.
When a user commented, “Please help us. 3 adults and my 3 year old granddaughter. We have booked an extra night Monday. But the owner will not drop price. Thanks”, LivJaza replied: “Please reach out to us via DM. We’d love to help you with a stay.”
Founder and CEO Ramneek Dhir describes this decision as a reflection of the platform’s core principles “As a UAE-born platform, our foundation is built on trust, transparency and responsibility,” he says.
“From day one, our priority has been to verify every listing thoroughly before bringing it on board. We believe credibility is not optional, it is essential. And in light of the current crisis, this is not a time to focus on profits. This is a time to stand united,” Dhir adds.
You can help, too
While not every organisation can offer full apartments or rebuild homes, every business holds something of value. For some, that might mean opening up unused meeting rooms as temporary rest spaces. For others, it could involve waiving cancellation fees, extending credit periods, offering complimentary services, or partnering with brands already working directly with those in need.
The blueprint, in many ways, has already been set.
Stay tuned as this line continues to rise from blueprint to bustling reality — and get ready to explore Dubai with even greater ease in the years ahead!
News Source https://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/uae-emiratis-praise-residents-solidarity-crisis?utm_source=fallback&utm_campaign=infinite
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