By Joseph George
From remote work options, including enabling students and staff to return to their home countries, to phased campus returns for programmes requiring hands-on training, UAE higher education institutions are demonstrating great resilience as they draw on lessons from the pandemic to navigate the changes, prioritising safety while ensuring learning continuity
Dubai, Mar 8, 2026: As the regional landscape continues to change, universities across the UAE are showing strong adaptability and resilience. Many have moved the bulk of their academic activities online, while others, especially those in health sciences, are carefully managing a phased return to on-campus learning for programmes that require hands-on training, all in line with national directives.
The shift to online and hybrid learning has been rapid, as universities leverage lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Dr Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost highlights the institution’s highly diverse community representing more than 100 nationalities. “Some members have chosen to return to their home countries, and we have quickly relaxed expectations for on-campus presence,” he says. The university’s existing systems, supported by training and technical assistance, have enabled seamless remote working and learning.
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) activated an emergency response team immediately, updated policies with enhanced safety protocols and transitioned swiftly to distance learning while keeping essential on-campus operations running. President Prof. Bassam Alameddine notes that the “COVID playbook” allowed the shift within hours, thanks to established digital infrastructure and trained faculty.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai achieved an even faster transition. Pro Vice Chancellor Dr S. Sudhindra says that all academic activities moved online within two hours of the announcement. “Our strong learning management system and digital-first approach have played a key role,” he admits, noting seamless delivery of continuous evaluations, co-curricular activities and remote access to research databases and e-libraries. The university is also mapping multiple scenarios with corresponding action plans, including phased returns.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai too transitioned swiftly to remote learning. “Our established digital infrastructure, supported by proactive communication and a student-centred approach enabled a smooth transition for the wider university community. All teaching, assessments and submissions are being conducted online,” says Prof Lynne B Jack, Deputy Vice Principal.
Phased return for health sciences
Gulf Medical University has taken a distinct yet complementary approach, welcoming the UAE’s decision to gradually reintroduce on-campus learning for programmes requiring practical training. Chancellor Prof Manda Venkatramana explains that GMU has continued in-person instruction for clinical and lab-based disciplines.
“Hands-on training is essential, particularly for health sciences, where it directly affects graduate competence,” he says. Priority programmes include Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences and allied health sciences.
To manage the return safely, GMU has implemented staggered scheduling, hybrid teaching models and strict safety protocols across its advanced simulation centres and clinical training environments. An Emergency Response Coordination Committee (ERCC) remains fully prepared for contingencies, with robust digital platforms supporting students who continue remotely. A dedicated student support hotline has also been introduced for quick assistance.
Student attendance at GMU has remained steady, reflecting confidence in the university’s safety measures and students’ commitment to their progress.
Close coordination with regulators
All institutions emphasise strong alignment with UAE authorities, coordinating with local and national bodies on the timing and safety guidelines, phased returns for practical components and scheduling adaptations.
“As the situation unfolds, we remain in regular contact with local and national authorities to ensure that the remaining on-campus activities are conducted as safely and efficiently as possible,” says Dr Ruth, adding that the university has ensured that advanced monitoring systems are in place across campus to support safety and security.
As Prof Alameddine points out, AURAK is working in alignment with the Ministry of Education. “The coordination reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding student learning outcomes while responding responsibly to evolving conditions,” he says.
GMU coordinates regularly with federal and local authorities, ensuring its phased approach remains guided by national directives and public health considerations.
Academic assessments continue
Universities are continuing to conduct assessments by adopting new tools and approaches, demonstrating adaptability across the sector. While some have moved entirely online, others are using flexible formats (remote for online courses and in-person where necessary).
As Dr Sudhindra notes, at MAHE Dubai continuous evaluations, including mid-term examinations, are currently being conducted online without any issues and supported by well-established systems. “End-semester examinations are scheduled for June. While we anticipate students returning to campus by then, we have also developed contingency plans to conduct examinations online if required,” he says.
Assessments at GMU proceed as scheduled, with flexible arrangements to ensure no student is disadvantaged, while maintaining rigour and fairness.
Final assessments scheduled for the April-May session will be delivered online at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. “All assessment formats and timelines have been reviewed holistically to ensure that academic integrity is upheld while also taking into account the current circumstances,” says Prof Jack.
Staff & student support
Institutions have also prioritised clear communication and practical support for both teaching staff and students. GMU, for instance, has enhanced campus security, established clear communication channels for staff and students, and is providing psychological support resources. The new student support hotline further strengthens responsiveness during the transition.
“Helping reduce the uncertainties that teaching and non-teaching staff face in both their personal and professional lives is key to reducing stress and improving mental health,” says Dr Ruth. To this effect, AUS, he says, has put in place a wide range of support measures ranging from accommodations for off-site work, such as borrowing computers and receiving IT support, to counseling for improved resilience in these challenging times.
AUS provides periodic updates through multiple channels and virtual town halls; equipment loans; IT assistance and counselling services to reduce uncertainties and support mental health.
AURAK offers faculty technical and pedagogical support for online teaching while administrative staff is offered necessary support to operate through hybrid/remote models, with a clear focus on operational flexibility.
MAHE Dubai has enabled remote work options (including return to home countries), strengthened mental well-being support and actively engaged employers to assist final-year students with placements, while co-curricular activities continue online.
Alongside operational flexibility, there is an emphasis on well-being at Heriot-Watt University. “We run consistent team check-ins to keep the staff informed, connected and supported. Where appropriate, teams are also encouraged to stay engaged through informal, small-group interactions in local settings to maintain a sense of community,” adds Prof Jack.
Whether fully online or managing a controlled return to campus, the combination of robust digital infrastructure, hard-earned COVID-era experience, close regulatory collaboration and a clear focus on safety and well-being have enabled minimal disruption to learning.
As Prof Venkatramana puts it “Our focus remains clear – to deliver high-quality education while prioritising safety, responsibility and continuity for every student.”
