Gulf region updates – support for our Dubai community
At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, the safety and wellbeing of our community remains our highest priority. As we continue to monitor regional developments, we are committed to maintaining full continuity of learning through flexible digital platforms and globally connected support services, ensuring that academic integrity and the quality of the student experience remain uncompromised.
Campus closure and temporary transition to online learning
Following the latest announcement from the UAE authorities, online learning will continue from March 23 until Sunday, April 5 2026 (inclusive). The Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus will remain closed during this period, with all teaching and other services continuing online.
Apply with your predicted grades
With recent changes to assessments across several school boards in the Middle East, Heriot-Watt University Dubai will now assess all undergraduate applications based on verified school‑predicted grades for our September 2026 intake. To ensure a fair and consistent experience, we will consider a range of verified assessments, including mock exam results, pre-board assessments, and official teacher-predicted scores.
Distance learning and digital connectivity
Following the latest announcement from UAE authorities, online learning will continue from 23 March to Sunday, 5 April 2026 (inclusive). During this period, the Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus will remain closed, with all teaching and support services delivered online.
Students and staff have full access to a comprehensive suite of IT systems designed to support flexible, high-quality online engagement.
All classes will be delivered through Canvas, our virtual learning environment, where you can:
- Access course materials
- Submit assignments
- Take quizzes
- Communicate with lecturers
- Receive announcements and feedback
Canvas is available at: https://canvas.hw.ac.uk/
You may also explore our Digital Tour, which provides an overview of the core IT systems available to you as a Heriot-Watt student or staff member.
Wellbeing and safety
Safezone app
SafeZone is a free app that allows you to send a location-based alert from your smartphone or tablet to SafeGuarding Services whenever you need an immediate emergency response, first-aid or any other general assistance.
The SafeZone app makes it easy for students and staff to get help with the single tap of a button. Within seconds the SafeGuarding Officers, will receive the alert and initiate a response.
Wellbeing services
As a member of the Heriot-Watt University community, you have access to our global wellbeing services, available 24/7.
Wellness drop-in sessions
The Wellbeing Service offers weekly Wellness Drop-in sessions. These sessions are open to all students and provide a supportive space to pause, connect with others, and receive guidance from wellbeing staff during this time. Contact the Wellbeing services team to join one of our drop-in sessions.
Self-help resources
- Togetherall – A 24/7 confidential online mental health support community.
- Sorted Mental Health App– Audio-based mental training to help improve mood and manage stress and anxiety (email Wellbeing Services team for code).
- SAKINA Hotline (24/7) – 800-725462- Trained professionals available for emotional support.
- Open Mind Clinic – Students with university insurance can access free psychotherapy sessions at Open Mind Clinics and other providers within the insurance network.
If you are seeking support for yourself or someone you are concerned about, please email us on dubaiwellbeing@hw.ac.uk
Travel advisory
UAE airlines are running a limited flight schedule to key destinations as of the latest update from authorities. Students and staff looking to travel in and out of the country are advised to monitor official UAE government channels, review the latest travel advice issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), airline communications and embassy advisories for the latest updates and check flight status before travelling.
Virtual campus tour
Heriot‑Watt University Dubai’s state‑of‑the‑art campus has been purposefully designed to elevate the student experience, bringing together modern learning spaces, specialist laboratories, collaborative zones and vibrant social areas that support both academic success and personal growth.
Our virtual tour allows you to explore these facilities at your own pace, offering an immersive look at the classrooms, studios and community spaces that shape daily life on campus. It’s an easy and engaging way to discover our environment and imagine yourself as part of our dynamic university community.
Tuition fee and refunds
In light of the recent regional developments, we understand this may be a period of uncertainty for many students and their families.
We have introduced a more flexible approach for our September 2026 intake. The tuition fee deposit for the September 2026 will be fully refundable, and if you choose to withdraw before enrolment, any additional payments made toward your total tuition fees will also be returned in full.
For students who require a UAE study permit, the tuition fee deposit will be refunded if the visa application submitted through the University’s visa department is unsuccessful, although visa processing fees and related charges remain non‑refundable.
Subscribe to monthly updates
Parents and guardians may subscribe to the Provost Monthly Newsletter to receive updates on University operations, student support measures, and key developments affecting academic progress and wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions
For current students
Is the campus open?
The Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus will remain closed from March 23 until Sunday, April 5 2026 (inclusive). During this period, all teaching and other services will continue online.
Are classes still running?
In accordance with the latest announcement from the UAE authorities, the academic schedule will operate as follows:
Online Teaching Resumes
Teaching will resume online from Monday, 23 March and continue remotely until Sunday, 5 April 2026.
During the Spring Break period, teaching will pause, however all other university services will continue remotely. Staff and students are advised to monitor their university email regularly for further updates and guidance.
If I want to return home will exams be online in April?
As previously announced, there will be no in-person exams this semester. Exams will be online.
Where should students get official updates?
Students should rely only on:
- Official UAE government channels for updates
- Official Heriot-Watt University communications through emails
Will transportation be available to campus?
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.
For new students and offer holders
Is the campus open?
The Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus will remain closed from March 23 until Sunday, April 5 2026 (inclusive). During this period, all teaching and other services will continue online.
Are Admissions and CRM teams still working?
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
Will application processing or turnaround times be affected?
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
Are visas or CAS processing affected?
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.
Should students delay accepting offers or making payments?
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
Does the University offer campus tours?
The University does offer Campus tours, but due to the current circumstances, it will not be offered from 02 March to and including 06 March 2026 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
If you are a current student with an immediate safety concern, please contact:
Emergency Services: +971 52 562 3467 or use the SafeZone App.
For general enquiries, please contact Student Services via ASK HWU on your student portal. You will also continue to receive communications from your academic team regarding assessments. We encourage you to check your Canvas course sites regularly.
We understand that this is a challenging time, and we want to reassure you that the University remains fully operational online and ready to support you.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.