Gulf region updates – support for our Dubai community

The Government of Dubai and its relevant authorities are continuously monitoring regional developments and taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents, including the international student community. Dubai’s security infrastructure is robust, and students can continue their studies with confidence.

Every higher education institution licensed by KHDA is required to have safety protocols and emergency response procedures in place. Students should familiarise themselves with their institution’s safety guidelines and know how to contact campus security or student services in an emergency. The universities’ student support teams are also always available to answer any questions that international students may have. KHDA oversees institutional compliance with these standards.

Students should contact their university’s student services team, academic advisor, campus security, or accommodation office, depending on the nature of the issue. Universities are best placed to provide immediate guidance and connect students to the right support services. In an emergency, students should also contact the relevant UAE emergency services.

Student wellbeing is a priority for KHDA and for all our institutions. Students experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulty are encouraged to seek support through their institution’s student counselling, wellbeing, or student support services. Many institutions in Dubai offer confidential support either on campus or virtually and can guide students to appropriate external services where needed.

Additionally, students can use the Itma’en service by calling 800506. The free service, which means ‘rest assured’, offers confidential mental wellbeing guidance through a dedicated hotline, providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals to consult experts and seek reassurance whenever they need it.

Students should regularly check their university email, student portal, and official communication channels for updates. Higher education institutions in Dubai communicate clearly with students regarding any developments that may affect academic delivery, campus operations, travel, or student support services.

Dubai’s higher education institutions remain in close coordination with relevant authorities and continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. Academic delivery continues across the city, with institutions implementing precautionary measures where appropriate, including remote or hybrid learning, in line with established continuity plans and official guidance. In some cases, classes and operations may be delivered fully online to ensure continuity without disruption.

Students are encouraged to stay informed through their university’s official communication channels. Dubai’s higher education system remains responsive, well-supported, and focused on ensuring students can continue their studies with confidence.

All higher education institutions are expected to maintain continuity of teaching and learning. In the event that any disruption affects on-campus attendance, institutions are equipped to transition to online or blended delivery models to ensure students continue to receive the highest standards of education.

All KHDA-licensed institutions have academic continuity plans in place and apply them as needed to support students. This includes ensuring access to learning materials, offering reasonable flexibility around deadlines, and providing alternative assessment arrangements where appropriate. KHDA remains in close contact with institutions and may provide additional guidance where required to ensure a consistent and supportive approach.

If travel disruptions prevent a student from returning to campus, institutions provide reasonable academic accommodations. This may include online attendance, access to recorded lectures, and adjusted deadlines. Students should communicate proactively with their academic advisor or student services office as early as possible.

No – KHDA-licensed institutions are accredited and their qualifications recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education. Any temporary shift to alternative delivery modes does not affect the status or recognition of qualifications. Dubai’s higher education institutions maintain their academic standards regardless of the mode of delivery.

Absolutely – Dubai continues to be one of the world’s most dynamic education hubs, home to over

60 branch campuses from 10+ countries, offering globally recognised courses. Alongside international branch campuses, several established local universities also offer high-quality education. Some of these institutions rank in the top 100 globally, with more scheduled to open this year. The infrastructure, regulatory management, and commitment to student welfare remain strong. Dubai’s multicultural environment, with students of over 170 nationalities, reflects its enduring appeal as a global destination for quality education. With Dubai’s economy on an upward growth trajectory, students can move into a rapidly evolving job market offering diverse career opportunities.

Dubai continues to welcome international travellers. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) publishes updated travel advisories, which can be accessed through their website. https://www.dubaidet.gov.ae/en/travel-advisory Prospective students are encouraged to check this resource and monitor communications from their home country's embassy or consulate for any travel guidance relevant to their home country.

Where circumstances require temporary travel or absence from Dubai, institutions will consider reasonable academic accommodations in line with their policies and continuity arrangements. Students should contact their university as early as possible to discuss the options available to them.

The UAE government has always demonstrated flexibility in response to circumstances affecting travel. During Covid-19, for example, amnesty periods were introduced, allowing residents whose visas had lapsed to regularise their status or depart without financial penalty. The same was introduced from 28 February – 1 April 2026. Students are advised to monitor official communications from GDRFA and KHDA during such times and reach out to their university should they have any specific queries

Students who are staying in university-managed or private student accommodation and are affected by travel disruptions should liaise directly with their accommodation provider as early as possible to discuss their individual needs and available options, including any possible extension of stay or temporary arrangements. Universities may also be able to guide students to the appropriate point of contact when needed.

Yes. After graduation, students may have options to remain in the UAE for a period of time, depending on their visa status and the arrangements made with their sponsor or university. In addition, the UAE offers pathways, such as the job seeker visa, which allows eligible individuals to enter or remain in the country to explore employment opportunities.

The Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus will remain closed from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17 2026 (inclusive). As this period coincides with our April break, there are no scheduled teaching activities. All other university services will continue remotely.

The on-campus library is currently closed. However, our entire collection of resources is available to students through the Discover platform.

Following the latest government announcement, universities have been asked to continue distance learning from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17 2026 (inclusive). As this period coincides with our April break, there are no scheduled teaching activities.

All other university services will also continue remotely.

Staff and students are advised to monitor their university email regularly for further updates and guidance.

As this is a progressing situation, any decision on exams and other scheduled events will be taken by the academic teams and staff in due course. Currently, academic activities continues online where applicable. Current students should monitor their University emails for official communications.

Currently, we are not yet certain what the situation will be by September 2026, however our expectation is to be able to deliver teaching in-person on campus. We will review the situation closer to start of the new academic year, and monitor Ministry guidance, providing updates accordingly. 

Our scholarship policies remain unchanged. If you currently hold a scholarship, your award will remain valid as long as you continue to meet the defined criteria.

Students should rely only on:

• Official UAE government channels for updates
• Official Heriot-Watt University communications through emails

As the campus is closed this week, student transport will be not offered as of now. Transportation services will resume once on-campus classes recommence. Any further updates will be communicated accordingly.

The Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus will remain closed from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17 2026 (inclusive). As this period coincides with our April break, there are no scheduled teaching activities. All other university services will continue online.

• For students studying in high schools in the UAE and GCC region, you can apply to the programme of your choice with your predicted grades even if your examinations are cancelled.
• Students in the UAE and GCC region who are affected by the regional conflicts also have access to our GCC and UAE Regional Student Grant.
• Our full list of scholarships and bursaries are also available to all eligible applicants. View the complete list here

Yes. Heriot-Watt University Dubai is accepting undergraduate applications based on verified predicted grades provided by your school for students applying from the UAE and rest of the GCC. Students will be issued with a conditional offer.

All applicants will be required to submit their final official results issued by the relevant examination board once available to receive an unconditional letter from the university before the start of the academic year. We recognise that final results may reflect a combination of teacher-assessed grades and internal assessments, as determined by the relevant examination board.

Click here to learn more

If you are applying with your predicted grades, you will also be eligible for any applicable scholarships.

Yes. Teams are operating remotely and continuing to support applicants and students. To book a virtual appointment with our Recruitment and Admissions team please call +971 4 571 7000 or email dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk. You can also request via LiveChat available on our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai or our official whatsapp channel: +971522476053.

Due to the unpredictability of the situation, there may be minor disruptions; however, our teams are working to maintain normal service levels and regular turnaround times.

At present, services are continuing; however, students should allow additional flexibility in timelines where possible. If any extended delays are communicated by the government authorities, the visa team will provide an update to students on that.

No change has been advised by the University. Admissions processes continue as normal unless students are otherwise informed. Please contact our student recruitment teams on +971 4 571 7000 or email dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk. You can also request via LiveChat available on our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai or our official whatsapp channel: +971522476053.

Currently, we are not yet certain what the situation will be by September 2026, however our expectation is to be able to deliver teaching in-person on campus. We will review the situation closer to start of the new academic year, and monitor Ministry guidance, providing updates accordingly. 

The University does offer Campus tours, but due to the current circumstances, all physical campus tours are temporarily cancelled to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our staff and the prospective students.

You can take a virtual tour of our campus through our 360 tours.

Yes. Heriot-Watt University Dubai is accepting undergraduate applications based on verified predicted grades provided by your school for students applying from the UAE and rest of the GCC. Students will be issued with a conditional offer.

All applicants will be required to submit their final official results issued by the relevant examination board once available to receive an unconditional letter from the university before the start of the academic year. We recognise that final results may reflect a combination of teacher-assessed grades and internal assessments, as determined by the relevant examination board

Click here to learn more