Supporting our members across Middle East

We understand this may be an incredibly difficult time for our members and candidates across the Middle East who are navigating significant uncertainty, both professionally and personally. RICS is here to support, and we have taken immediate steps to ensure you have flexibility and the resources you may need.

From operational changes to wellbeing support, below are some of the measures we have taken, and important information for you during this time. We would also encourage you to take precautionary measures and continue to follow the official guidelines in your area to ensure your safety.

Wellbeing support

LionHeart, the independent charity supporting RICS professionals is ready to offer support to those living and working in the region who are directly affected. This may include access to wellbeing and emotional support, such as counselling, and emergency grants where applicable.

LionHeart is encouraging anybody affected to contact the helpline to discuss their individual circumstances in confidence. You can find all the ways to contact LionHeart here.

Bena Kansara, LionHeart support services manager, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone in the region who are affected by recent events, as well as with those who are worried about their loved ones. We know that this is an anxious and uncertain time for so many people and that this will be having an impact on people’s emotional wellbeing as well as fears for physical safety. We are here to offer emotional support, a listening ear, and can arrange access to professional counselling where necessary.”

Free CPD

We understand that for some maintaining a sense of professional purpose and routine will be helpful during this difficult time. With that in mind, we are sharing a list of CPD resources that are free of charge for all members, available to access whenever suits you.

We have specifically made the Global Business Continuity webinar free for members as well. This offers practical, expert-led guidance on risk assessment, emergency response protocols, and building resilient operational frameworks, topics that feel especially pertinent right now.

Members also have free access to our webinar series on Data and Technology and Sustainability, both mandatory CPD topic areas, alongside a range of others relevant to the region. Past sessions are available on demand, and upcoming sessions can be attended live at no cost. A full list of available resources can be found here.

Assessments

The Assessment Delivery team has been in contact with candidates affected by the current situation and provided support on a case-by-case basis ahead of the submission deadline earlier this week.

The next assessment periods are available on the RICS website, and our teams will continue to monitor the situation and ensure appropriate support is in place if needed. In the meantime, candidates with any concerns or queries can get in touch at contactrics@rics.org.

Operational update

The safety of RICS staff and members is a priority for us and here is an overview of what we are doing to ensure that. We have established an Incident Management Team to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds and adapt accordingly.

Alongside this, we have introduced some temporary measures following advice from respective governments across the region. These include suspending all regional events, travel and in-person meetings until further notice.  Our offices across the region are also closed temporarily, though our team is working remotely and available to support you.

Communications from RICS

We are reviewing all our communications to members and candidates in the region and only sending those focused on how we can support you during this time or regarding your professional development. We have temporarily paused pursuing the collection of subscriptions fees, along with any operational or commercial communications, until further notice.

Get in touch

If you need advice or have any questions, please contact the RICS contact centre support team at +44 (0)2476 868 555 or via email at contact@rics.org.

Whether your question is personal, professional, or logistical, please do not hesitate to reach out.