March 19, 2020,

The COVID-19 virus has spread around the world this year and provoked understandable fears among many people about their families’ health as well as disrupting numerous activities such as aviation, tourism and education.

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) would like to share with its alumni details of some of the measures it is taking to protect the health of students and university employees and minimize disruption to the students’ education.

We would also like to ask you alumni, as members of the AURAK family, to contribute to help students suffering financial difficulties because of the situation. Details will appear below.

AURAK is prioritizing the health of its students, faculty and staff at this difficult time. The University is following guidance issued by the UAE government in how it deals with the problem.

No classes are being held on the AURAK campus from 8 March through 4 April, with the first two weeks treated as Spring Break, to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus on campus. Beginning on 22 March, online instruction/distance learning through the Blackboard platform will resume for all lecture-based courses so that the students’ education does not suffer despite the chaos COVID-19 is causing around the world.

All student events and trips have been cancelled. AURAK has put in place additional hygiene measures and temperature checks on people entering the campus.

“We’re hoping that this will not last long, but in case it does we’re preparing ourselves,” said Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President of AURAK.

Rest assured that however the situation develops in the future that AURAK will continue to do its best to look after its students and make sure their education suffers the minimum of disruption.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus has caused real financial hardship for some students. It would be great if you alumni, as members of the AURAK family, could contribute to helping them by donating money to support AURAK students. This money will be used to pay for their accommodation, food and other living expenses.

“I believe it is time to show solidarity and care among the AURAK family especially toward our international students living detached from their family and far away from their homes,” Professor Hassan said.

Alumni can transfer money to the following bank account:

Beneficiary: American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Account Number: 0002-257074-001

Swift Code: NRAKAEAK

IBAN Number: AE700400000002257074001

Bank Address: RAK Bank, Nakheel Branch, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

For any inquiries on payments contact finance@aurak.ac.ae