New Delhi: As the crisis in the Middle East rages on, Indian actor Sonu Sood offered free accommodation in Dubai to anyone stranded there, regardless of nationality, drawing praise as well as speculation about his motives.
In a post on X, Sood said travellers with nowhere to stay could reach out for help.
“War has left many travellers stranded in Dubai. If you or someone you know has nowhere to stay, we are offering safe accommodation free of cost. No nationality. No conditions. Just humanity. DM us on Instagram if you need help @dugastaproperties. Please share so this reaches someone in need,” Sood wrote.
The Bollywood actor also shared a video explaining the offer in both Hindi and English before signing off with “Jai Hind and God bless you all.”
War has left many travelers stranded in Dubai.
If you or someone you know has nowhere to stay, we are offering safe accommodation free of cost.
No nationality. No conditions. Just humanity.
DM us on Instagram if you need help.
@dugastaproperties
Please share so this reaches… pic.twitter.com/TDDr9st79M
— sonu sood (@SonuSood) March 5, 2026
Sood is a brand ambassador for Dugasta Properties, a Dubai-based real estate developer that specialises in affordable luxury. Other Dubai-based real estate companies such as Danube Properties and Peace Homes Developments have also offered to house the stranded during the crisis in the region. On 2 March, the UAE government announced it would cover hotel stays and meal expenses for all stranded tourists.
The offers come as tensions escalate following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on 28 February and retaliatory attacks across the region. The crisis has led to more than 23,000 flight cancellations due to airspace closures and safety risks.
Emirates, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has suspended most scheduled passenger flights to and from Dubai until 7 March due to airspace disruptions. Missile and drone attacks have also affected parts of the UAE, including Dubai, leaving thousands of tourists and foreign nationals stranded even as governments advise their citizens to leave the tax-free haven.
Also Read: Indians laughing at their countrymen in Dubai are a disgrace. We have much to learn
‘Winning hearts’ vs ‘vulture’
Amid the chaos, Sood’s open invitation has been met with both gratitude and scepticism online.
“Winning hearts time and again,” said one comment below Sood’s message. Another thanked him “for showing the world what compassion looks like in action”, and one called it the “ultimate display of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
A commenter also reassured Sood: “Sir, you have won our hearts. The UAE government has made both hotel rooms and food free for tourists. There is no problem of any kind.”
Offering unconditional shelter in a global transit hub like Dubai during a war crisis is the ultimate display of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family). This is true global leadership and the real strength of our people. Massive respect!#DubaiStrong #Iran
— Icons of India (@ICONSIndiaIN) March 5, 2026
Cynics made their presence known as well.
“Put up a full disclosure, Sood. Tell people you are the Brand Ambassador of Dugusta Properties and are trying to sell their houses. Otherwise, you will be seen as a vulture, preying on those in desperation,” said one comment. Another sceptic wrote it was “fishy” and “undigestible” that Sood was always coming forward to help others.
He must be making black money, this guy’s source of income should be investigated. The way he always come forward to support everyone, there is something fishy. Most importantly he never fought any election, so why he is doing social work in large number. Undigestible!!
— Enthusiastic Bread (@Okay___bye) March 5, 2026
Also Read: Deluge of AI-generated Iran war videos from Pakistan prompts X to change its rules & warn creators
A long-time do-gooder
Several comments on Sood’s post praised the actor’s humanitarian work and mentioned his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Others pointed out that the Indian government had still not recognised the actor’s continual efforts to help others.
This is not the first time that Sood has taken on the mantle of messiah of the downtrodden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sood helped thousands of stranded tourists reach their home countries safely. In 2021, he launched the app and website ‘Ilaaj India,’ which provides healthcare services. He also donated oxygen cylinders and plants across the country during the worst of the pandemic.
Recently, he extended his support to fellow actor Rajpal Yadav, who was in custody at Tihar jail in a cheque bounce case amounting to almost Rs 9 crore.
“Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us..producers, directors, colleagues to stand together. A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity. When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he’s not alone. This is how we show we are more than just an industry,” the Fateh (2025) actor posted on X.
However, Rajpal Yadav later addressed Sood’s remarks, saying “Please get over the misconception that I need to keep asking for work.” Sood then told HT City that he was “happy” for Yadav: “I didn’t say he needs work. I said, ‘Sign him and pay advances because he deserves it’.”
(Edited by Asavari Singh)