Events in the Middle East: Update for students

We are carefully monitoring the situation in the Middle East. 

Our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff, and we are staying in close contact with our teams across the region as well as students and colleagues who have family in the areas affected.

A dedicated cross-functional group has been established to address questions or issues raised across our community, including in relation to support, wellbeing and travel guidance.

We understand you may be experiencing anxiety, distress or uncertainty – whether you are directly affected or supporting loved ones. Confidential support is available. Students are advised to follow all official safety guidance and access the support options below:

Wisdom App 

We encourage students and staff to use the Wisdom App for confidential wellbeing support from trained counsellors.

How to access:

  1. Visit wisdom.healthassured.org/login
    Or download the Wisdom app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store
  2. Enter the unique organisation code: MHA305915
  3. Complete the setup process

Befrienders Worldwide

If you would prefer to speak to someone locally, Befrienders Worldwide may be able to connect you with a confidential helpline in your country. Specially trained volunteers known as befrienders listen with empathy.

  1. Visit befrienders.org
  2. Search for a helpline by country

Please check back regularly, as this page will be updated as new information becomes available.

Resources and Information in the Region

In moments of crisis, it’s easy to get swept up in conversations on social media as you seek out the latest updates, but this can also lead to the spread of misinformation. Please always make sure you are getting your news from official sources.

The page brings together practical, region specific information, including:

  • Emergency and safety guidance
  • Official local and international support contacts
  • Advice for students who may be travelling, displaced, or feeling unsettled
  • Wellbeing and psychological support resources available in different locations

Resources for people in Iran:

  • Iran national psychological support hotline: 4030

Resources for people in Israel:

  • Magen David Adom (emergency medical): Dial 101

Resources for those in United Arab Emirates:

  • UAE MoFA Emergency Hotline: 00971-80024
  • Abu Dhabi Police: 999
  • Official updates: @UAEmediaoffice and @DubaiMediaOffice on X 
  • Dubai Media Office (@dxbmediaoffice) 
  • Abu Dhabi Media Office (@ADmediaoffice) 
  • Dubai Airports (@dubaiairports) 
  • Abu Dhabi Airports (@ad_airports)
  • 999 for Police
  • 998 for Ambulance
  • 995 for Find and Rescue
  • 991 for electricity failure
  • Follow @UAEGov and @DubaiPoliceHQ on social media for official updates.

Resources for those in Bahrain:

  • Bahrain Emergency: 999
  • Bahrain Ministry of Interior emergency guidance: @moi_bahrain on X

Resources for those in Qatar:

  • Qatar Emergency: 999

Resources for those in Kuwait:

  • Kuwait Emergency: 112

Resources for those in Saudi Arabia:

  • Saudi Emergency: 911

Resources for those in Jordan:

  • Jordan Emergency: 911

Resources for those in Iraq:

  • Iraq Emergency: 104/115/122
  • Kurdish Regional Government Emergency (Erbil): +964-66-256-3433

Resources for those in Lebanon:

  • Lebanon Emergency/Red Cross: 140
  • Lebanese Red Cross: 01-372-802 / @Lebanese_RC on X

Resources for those in Oman:

  • Oman Emergency: 9999
  • Royal Oman Police: 999

Additional Information

What travelers stranded in the UAE right now need to know

For the thousands of passengers stranded in the UAE right now, it’s a time of understandable uncertainty. The country’s airspace is closed, flights are grounded, and it’s unclear when travel will resume. While this is a developing situation and information is likely to change, here is everything you need to know, including emergency numbers, flight and hotel information, and how to keep up-to-date with the latest information.

If you have imminent travel booked, you should:

Passengers are urged not to come to the local airport unless your flight has been confirmed. If you flight is cancelled, please call your airline’s customer service telephone number or rebook through your airline’s wbeiste.

  • Check your flight status with your airline before going to the airport. Don’t travel to the airport unless your flight is confirmed.
  • Rebook or request a refund if your flight was cancelled—most carriers are offering flexible options for rescheduling within a set timeframe.
  • Ask your airline or travel agent about alternate departure points, if they are operating.
  • Keep all travel documents, tickets and identification ready in case opportunities to depart arise.
  • Dubai International Airport 
  • Flight delay information: http://www.flightstats.com/go/Home/home.do

Contact your embassy or consulate

If you are not at home and are travelling, and need help or advice, contact your country’s embassy or consulate, which can provide the most accurate, up-to-date and personalized help—including emergency contact numbers, support services, and local guidance on safety and departure options. Some embassies, including the British Embassy in the UAE, are asking their nationals in the country to register with them. It’s a good idea to do so.

Follow Local Embassy Advisories & Emergency Instructions

Many embassies in potentially affected countries (e.g., in Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.) are issuing cautionary guidance such as:

  • Stay alert and maintain situational awareness.
  • Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
  • Stay away from sites associated with Western governments or symbols.
  • Follow host-country shelter-in-place or evacuation orders if issued.
  • In the UAE, authorities are already urging residents to shelter in place and stay indoors during missile threats and to avoid open areas and glass windows.

Staying Safe

  • Shelter in place guidance for millions to stay at home and away from windows.
  • Emergency alerts were sent out to mobile phones owing to the missile threats.
  • “Seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building, and steer away from windows, doors and open areas. Wait for further instructions,” the Ministry of Interior said.
  • Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
  • Monitor media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
  • Citizens in the UAE could register with the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme (Step) to receive the latest updates on security.
  • Keep a battery-powered radio or offline access to government alerts in case telecom services are disrupted.
  • If mobile networks become unstable, check embassy social media pages.

Universal Safety Resources for the Entire Region

Crisis Portal

www.guidanceresources.com/crisis The GuidanceResources(r) Online crisis portal offers immediate, direct access to online tools and information. 

* No login or registration required
* Access the site's most relevant and popular articles on disaster, grief, trauma and other relevant topics