Dharmendra Pradhan Launches First Overseas Atal Innovation Centre in UAE

In a landmark step to deepen India’s global education footprint, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus during his two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (September 10–11, 2025).

The initiative marks a new chapter in the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), extending India’s innovation ecosystem beyond its borders. The centre will serve as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between Indian and Emirati institutions.

Academic Programs and Campus Initiatives

During the inauguration, Minister Pradhan also launched two major academic programs,

• Ph.D. Program in Energy and Sustainability
• B.Tech Program in Chemical Engineering

The Minister interacted with students and faculty at the campus, encouraging them to leverage the innovation ecosystem for global problem-solving and entrepreneurship.

Key Discussions with UAE Leadership

As part of his visit, Minister Pradhan held discussions with Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The talks focused on,

• Expanding Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE for the diaspora.
• Establishing Atal Innovation Labs for Indian schools in the Emirates, modeled on India’s successful Atal Tinkering Labs.
• Enhancing two-way student exchanges at school and university levels.
• Collaboration in curriculum development and teacher exchange programs.
• Mutual recognition of qualifications between India and UAE.
• Alignment of education reforms with India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

Minister Pradhan stressed that education is a vital pillar of the India–UAE partnership, appreciating ADEK’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.

Role of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

• The Atal Innovation Mission, launched by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative to promote innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. AIM provides platforms like Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, and sectoral innovation hubs to drive India’s knowledge economy.
• With the new centre in Abu Dhabi, AIM now extends its reach globally, offering a model for international academic–innovation collaboration.

Static Facts and Takeaways

• Location: IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi Campus, UAE.
• Launched By: Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister.
• Key Initiative: First overseas Atal Innovation Centre under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• Academic Programs Launched: Ph.D. in Energy & Sustainability, B.Tech in Chemical Engineering.
• Partner Authority: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).