Building connections and community at the Ras Al Khaimah campus

This year, Royal Roads University opened an international branch campus in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates. President and Vice-Chancellor Philip Steenkamp travelled to the campus to connect with students, faculty, and staff and to strengthen partnerships in the region.

“Students spoke to me about the quality of teaching and learning, the supports available to them and the growing sense of community on campus,” says Steenkamp. “This expansion really reflects our commitment to global citizenship and student success, helping us to meet the evolving needs of learners worldwide.”

The RAK campus brings Royal Roads’ applied and career-focused learning model to a new region, creating opportunities for students who may face barriers to studying in Canada and supporting local workforce and industry needs. 

The campus opened in the spring of 2025 and welcomed its first students from across Africa, South America, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The inaugural cohort is enrolled in the Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management programs.

RRU RAK also recently hosted the Leading the Future conference. The event brought together regional and international leaders to discuss emerging industry trends, leadership development and the skills needed for an AI-ready workforce. Steenkamp and RAK Campus Dean Maurey Bond opened the conference with a “Reimagining Leadership” session.

Learn more about RRU Ras Al Khaimah and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.