Texas Tech Pauses All Middle East Business Travel

University system cites security concerns amid regional tensions.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas Tech University System has temporarily paused all business travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This action is intended to protect faculty, staff, and students amid the current security situation in the region, as outlined in alerts from the U.S. Department of State.

Why it matters

Texas Tech has a global footprint with research, educational, and business partnerships across the world. Pausing travel to the Middle East could impact ongoing collaborations and programs, though the university cites safety as the top priority given the regional tensions.

The details

The travel pause will remain in effect until formally lifted by the TTU System Office of Risk Management. The university is encouraging both business and personal travelers to reconsider trips to the affected countries and regions. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Office of Risk Management.

  • The travel pause went into effect immediately on March 8, 2026.

The players

Texas Tech University System

A public university system based in Lubbock, Texas, with multiple campuses across the state.

U.S. Department of State

The federal agency responsible for U.S. foreign policy and international relations, including issuing travel advisories.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The TTU System Office of Risk Management will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East and communicate updates on when the travel pause may be lifted.

The takeaway

This decision by Texas Tech underscores the challenges universities face in balancing global engagement with the need to ensure the safety of their students, faculty, and staff, especially in regions with heightened security concerns.