Professor Dame Heather McGregor is the Provost and Vice Principal, Heriot Watt University Dubai
There is a tendency, in moments of disruption, to assume that organisations pause. In higher education, the opposite is true. We adapt, often faster than expected, and with our students and staff at the centre of every decision.
The past few weeks of regional conflict have been another reminder of the resilience that defines this sector. Across Dubai and the wider UAE, universities have once again demonstrated their ability to pivot swiftly. The decision by the UAE government for schools and universities to extend online working and teaching for a further two weeks, from March 23 to April 5, means we have to ensure the continuation of learning, delivered differently but with the same academic rigour.
If there is one legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that we know what to do when unexpected circumstances occur. Organisations post-Covid are far better equipped to deliver high-quality online and hybrid education. At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, this readiness is underpinned by structured support. Our Academic Continuity Group has provided clear guidance to faculty on everything from redesigning assessments to integrating generative AI responsibly. Teaching is recorded, resources are shared, and staff are supported not only technically, but pedagogically.
This is not simply about moving lectures online. It is about rethinking how learning is delivered, assessed and experienced. Sessions on adapting coursework, redesigning exam questions, and delivering effective hybrid teaching ensure that our academic community remains confident and connected. Just as importantly, we have created spaces for staff to share concerns, exchange ideas, and support one another. Resilience, after all, is collective.
For students, the experience is understandably different. Studying remotely requires discipline and adaptability, and we have put in place dedicated resources and advisory teams to ensure academic continuity throughout this period.
Student wellbeing is right up there with academic continuity, and our students have access to wellbeing services, including virtual wellness drop-ins as well as the student services centre team to answer any queries they may have. Supporting student wellbeing is essential to helping our community stay resilient, connected, and able to manage the challenges during this time.
The recent cancellation of several school board examinations between mid-March and early April has added another layer of uncertainty, particularly for those preparing to enter university this September. Here, too, the sector has responded with pragmatism and fairness. Admissions decisions at our university will be based on verified predicted grades, including mock examinations and teacher assessments. This ensures that students are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control, while maintaining the integrity of entry standards.
It is worth stepping back to consider the broader picture. The higher education sector in the UAE has grown steadily over the past decade, positioning itself as a global hub for talent, research, and innovation. Its strength lies not only in its infrastructure and rankings, but also in its ability to respond to change with agility and purpose. This sector’s resilience has been demonstrated over the years, from the swift transition to high-quality online and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to its continued growth through national higher education initiatives that support the UAE’s ambition to accelerate a knowledge-based, diversified economy. Universities have also continued to adapt programmes to align with national priorities in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and future skills.
Disruptions will occur, whether geopolitical, technological, or environmental. What matters is how organisations respond. In this instance, the response has been clear: learning continues, support is strengthened, and pathways remain open.
Education does not pause. It evolves. And in that evolution lies its greatest resilience.
Professor Dame Heather McGregor is the Provost and Vice Principal, Heriot Watt University Dubai
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.