The recent escalation in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through Canada's higher education landscape, with Royal Roads University's (RRU) campus in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates, temporarily closing its doors. This decision, made out of an abundance of caution, underscores the vulnerabilities of transnational education ventures amid geopolitical instability. As Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted UAE soil following U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, Canadian institutions with international footprints are reassessing risks to students, faculty, and operations. Nearly 700 students and 22 faculty members at the RAK campus now face uncertainty, highlighting how global conflicts can disrupt educational pursuits overnight.
This closure is not isolated; it reflects broader challenges for Canadian universities expanding abroad to diversify revenue streams amid domestic enrollment caps on international students. Royal Roads, known for its applied, career-focused programs, launched the RAK campus in 2025 to tap into the Gulf's demand for quality post-secondary education. However, events unfolding since late February 2026 have forced a pivot, prompting questions about the sustainability of such branch campuses.
🛡️ The Escalation: A Timeline of Events Disrupting Education
The conflict intensified on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, military sites, and leadership targets. This marked the most serious escalation since the brief 2025 Israel-Iran war. Iran responded swiftly, launching over 189 ballistic missiles and 941 drones at U.S. and allied bases in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and beyond. The UAE, hosting key airbases like Al Dhafra, bore the brunt, with reports of three fatalities and dozens injured.
Airspace closures across the region stranded travelers, including Canadian students and staff. By March 1, Iranian missiles hit UAE targets, prompting shelter-in-place orders. Canadian campuses, perceived as safe havens in the Gulf's education hubs like Dubai and RAK, were thrust into crisis mode. Royal Roads closed its RAK campus immediately, as classes were set to resume post-break.
- Feb 28: U.S./Israel strikes on Iran begin.
- Feb 28-Mar 1: Iran retaliates with massive drone/missile barrage on Gulf states.
- Mar 2: UAE airspace partially reopens; Canadian red travel advisory issued.
- Mar 3-5: Universities shift to remote monitoring; RRU delays classes.
This rapid sequence illustrates how quickly regional tensions can paralyze international education hubs, which host over 40 branch campuses in the UAE alone.
Royal Roads RAK Campus: From Launch to Lockdown
Royal Roads University, a public institution in Victoria, British Columbia, specializing in blended and executive education, opened its RAK branch in mid-2025. Located in northern UAE at Al Hisn Road, Dafan Al Nakheel, the campus aimed to deliver Canadian credentials to a diverse student body seeking business, arts, and science programs. Approved by Ras Al Khaimah authorities, it positioned RRU as the first public Canadian university in the UAE.
Programs include the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts (MA) in various fields, MA in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, and microcredentials. These career-oriented offerings attract working professionals, with a focus on leadership and innovation.
Enrollment reached nearly 700 students by early 2026, supported by 22 multinational faculty, including Canadians. The campus's strategic location near the Persian Gulf promised growth in a region hungry for Western-style education, but geopolitical risks materialized sooner than expected.
The Closure Decision and Immediate Response
RRU President and Vice-Chancellor Philip Steenkamp announced the temporary closure on March 1, citing safety amid the northern UAE's relative distance from Dubai strikes but proximity risks for Dubai-resident students. 'We decided to close the campus out of an abundance of caution,' Steenkamp stated. The university contacted all students and staff, ensuring welfare and disseminating accurate information.
Classes, due post-break, were postponed by at least a week. RRU applied to UAE regulators for online delivery approval, leveraging its expertise in blended learning. This step-by-step response—assess threats, secure permissions, communicate transparently—serves as a model for crisis management in higher education.
Human Impact: Students and Faculty in Limbo
For the 700 students—many UAE nationals, expatriates, and aspiring leaders—the closure disrupts degrees critical for regional careers. Faculty, including Canadians, face personal safety concerns and logistical hurdles like flight bans. Stranded individuals rely on embassy support, with some sheltering in place per Ottawa's advisory.
Emotional tolls include anxiety over family safety and academic progress. RRU's team has excelled in support, but prolonged disruption could lead to dropouts or transfers. Concrete examples: A Dubai-based MBA student missing midterms; a Canadian prof unable to return home.
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash
Canada's Official Stance: Red Alerts and Repatriation Efforts
Global Affairs Canada escalated to a Level 4 'Avoid All Travel' advisory for the UAE on March 2, urging residents to shelter in place and monitor updates. This mirrors advisories for Qatar and Kuwait. Efforts focus on voluntary departures via limited flights, prioritizing vulnerable groups.
For higher ed, this signals reevaluation of Gulf partnerships. Canadian University Dubai (CUD), a pathway to 28 Canadian institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University, remains operational but vigilant.
Government of Canada Travel Advisory for UAERipples Across Canadian Higher Education
Beyond RRU, the conflict exacerbates domestic pressures. Canadian universities, facing a 60% drop in new international students due to 2025 caps, relied on Gulf campuses for revenue. Transnational education (TNE)—delivering Canadian curricula abroad—generated diversification but now poses risks.
Other players like University of Prince Edward Island's Cairo site face yellow alerts. At home, Middle East tensions fuel campus protests since 2023, with antisemitism reports surging. Institutions balance free speech, safety, and inclusivity amid pro-Palestine encampments and Jewish student concerns.
Financial Strain and Strategic Shifts
RRU's RAK campus contributed to offsetting domestic intl declines (e.g., UCalgary lost $11M). Closures threaten budgets, prompting cuts elsewhere like at Kwantlen Polytechnic. Universities may accelerate online TNE or pivot to stable regions.
Pivoting to Resilience: Online and Hybrid Solutions
RRU's blended model facilitates transition: synchronous classes via Zoom, asynchronous modules. Steps include:
- Tech audits for remote access.
- Academic continuity plans.
- Mental health support via counseling.
- Credit transfers if needed.
This builds long-term resilience against disruptions.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Lessons Learned
Experts urge risk assessments for TNE: geopolitical analysis, insurance, contingency funds. Steenkamp praised on-ground team's response: 'It's a day-to-day thing.' Unions advocate faculty safety; students seek refunds or deferrals.
Balanced views: Gulf diversification vital but volatile; diversify to Asia, Europe.
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash
Future Outlook for Canadian Campuses Abroad
If conflict de-escalates, RAK may reopen by mid-March. Long-term: Enhanced security, diversified sites. For aspiring global educators, explore stable TNE models. Canadian higher ed must weigh revenue gains against risks.
Prospective students: Check advisories; consider higher ed career advice for resilient paths. Faculty: Opportunities in higher ed jobs remain strong in Canada.
Actionable Insights and Support Resources
Affected parties: Monitor RRU updates, contact Global Affairs (1-800-267-6788). Career pivots? Leverage RRU credentials for Canadian university jobs. Rate professors via Rate My Professor; seek roles at higher-ed-jobs.
This crisis tests adaptability, reinforcing higher ed's role in fostering global leaders amid uncertainty.