The Temporary Closure of Royal Roads University’s UAE Campus

Royal Roads University (RRU), a Canadian public university known for its applied and professional programs, has temporarily closed its Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) branch campus in the United Arab Emirates following a nationwide mandate for distance learning amid escalating regional tensions. The decision aligns with directives from the UAE Ministry of Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), which extended remote instruction for all public and private universities until at least March 6, 2026, due to security concerns from the ongoing Middle East conflict. While the campus was on spring break when disruptions began around March 1, university leaders are assessing whether to delay in-person resumption beyond the planned March 9 date, potentially shifting to fully online delivery if approved by UAE authorities.

This closure highlights the vulnerabilities of international branch campuses (IBCs), where geopolitical events can swiftly interrupt operations. RRU's RAK campus, a relatively new addition opened in 2025, exemplifies Canada’s growing transnational education (TNE) footprint in the Gulf region, offering programs tailored to local workforce needs like business administration and tourism management.

Timeline of the Regional Conflict Impacting UAE Higher Education

The crisis unfolded rapidly: U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets prompted Iranian retaliation, including 189 ballistic missiles and 941 drones targeting U.S.-allied nations, with the UAE experiencing the heaviest barrage—resulting in three deaths and dozens injured. Airspace closures across the Gulf stranded thousands, including students and faculty, while emergency alerts urged sheltering in secure buildings. UAE authorities issued nationwide directives for remote learning starting March 2, initially through March 4, then extended.

By March 5, Canadian Prime Minister thanked UAE leadership for protecting Canadian nationals, as Ottawa coordinated evacuation options for over 2,000 registered citizens seeking to leave. Flight suspensions by carriers like Air Canada, Emirates, and Etihad exacerbated the situation, leaving international students—many commuting from Dubai—unable to travel safely.

Profile of Royal Roads University’s Ras Al Khaimah Campus

Located at Al Hisn Road in Dafan Al Nakheel, RAK, the campus spans modern facilities designed for transformative, career-focused education. It serves approximately 700 students, drawn from diverse nationalities, pursuing undergraduate degrees in Business Administration (BBA) and Tourism Management, alongside postgraduate options like the Master of Business Administration (MBA). With 22 faculty members from Canada and beyond, the campus emphasizes experiential learning, aligning with RRU’s main Victoria, BC, model of blending theory with real-world application.

The UAE venture supports Canada-UAE educational ties, positioning RAK as a hub for Gulf professionals seeking globally recognized credentials without relocating to North America. Enrollment growth reflects UAE’s ambition to host top-tier TNE providers.

Student and Faculty Perspectives During the Disruption

RRU prioritized safety, contacting every student to confirm well-being and disseminate updates. President Philip Steenkamp noted the campus’s northern location spared it direct hits, but commuting students from Dubai faced risks. Faculty, including Canadians, sheltered in place per advisories, with the on-ground team lauded for rapid communication.

• Students reported anxiety over flight cancellations, delaying family visits or internships.
• International faculty mulled visa extensions amid uncertainty.
• Hybrid readiness varied, with business programs better equipped for virtual delivery than hands-on tourism simulations.

For UAE-based academics eyeing opportunities, platforms like higher ed jobs offer resilient career paths amid volatility.

Ottawa’s Shelter-in-Place Advisory and Evacuation Efforts

Global Affairs Canada elevated the UAE to a Level 4 “Avoid All Travel” advisory, instructing residents to “shelter in place until commercial flights resume.” Over 85,000 Canadians registered in the region, prompting coordination with UAE partners for repatriation flights. Minister Anita Anand outlined options, though bottlenecks persist due to airspace restrictions.

This mirrors advisories for Qatar, Bahrain, and others, underscoring risks for Canadian TNE ventures. For faculty and admins, resources at higher ed career advice provide contingency planning tips.

UAE’s Robust Ecosystem of International Branch Campuses Under Strain

The UAE hosts over 40 IBCs, with Dubai alone licensing 37 via KHDA, making it the world’s top destination. These contribute billions to the economy, attracting 100,000+ international students and fostering knowledge transfer. Yet, the conflict exposes geopolitical fragility, potentially deterring future expansions.

Pre-conflict growth (e.g., student numbers doubling by 2040 projected) now faces scrutiny, with experts warning of staff recruitment challenges.THE analysis highlights shattered perceptions of Gulf stability.

Impacts on Prominent UAE Campuses Like NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU Abu Dhabi shifted to remote classes “for the foreseeable future,” with students sheltering post-missile alerts. Middlesex University Dubai and others followed suit. Canadian University Dubai, a pathway to 28 Canadian partners, suspended in-person amid feeder disruptions.

These cases illustrate UAE’s TNE reliance on rapid pivots to online platforms, tested during COVID-19 but strained by prolonged flight bans.

Transition Challenges and Innovative Solutions in UAE Higher Ed

Step-by-step online shift: 1) Activate LMS like Moodle/Blackboard; 2) Faculty training for virtual labs; 3) Student tech audits; 4) Mental health support. UAE’s high digital infrastructure (95% broadband) aids, but equity gaps persist for low-income students.

• Benefits: Continuity, global access.
• Risks: Engagement drop, assessment integrity.
• Solutions: AI proctoring, hybrid post-crisis.

Explore UAE university jobs for roles in resilient edtech.

Historical Context: Lessons from Past Disruptions

UAE IBCs weathered COVID (2020-2022 full remote), proving adaptability. Yet, this conflict—unlike pandemics—adds evacuation layers. Stats: UAE TNE enrollments surged 20% post-COVID, but 10-15% IBCs globally closed permanently due to risks.

Stakeholders urge diversified hubs (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Qatar) to mitigate single-region exposure.RRU UAE site details recovery plans.

Photo by Ali Shah Lakhani on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights for UAE Higher Education

Short-term: Gradual reopenings post-March 6, with contingency funds. Long-term: Geopolitical insurance, regional alliances. Positive: UAE’s ed diversification (AI, sustainability programs) attracts talent.

For students: Rate professors at Rate My Professor; seek higher ed jobs. Faculty: university jobs in UAE. Post a vacancy at /recruitment.

Balanced view: While risks rise, UAE remains a TNE powerhouse, with constructive adaptations ensuring continuity.