IIM Ahmedabad Launches First Global Campus in Dubai

In a historic step toward the internationalisation of Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) inaugurated its first international campus in Dubai on 11 September 2025. The ceremony was jointly led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Government of India.

The event marked a major milestone in the expanding India-UAE education partnership, reinforcing shared goals of fostering innovation, leadership, and global talent mobility.

High-Profile Inauguration Ceremony

The launch at Dubai International Academic City was attended by senior dignitaries from both nations,

• Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi – UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs
• Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy – Minister of State for International Cooperation
• Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri – UAE Minister of Education
• Sunjay Sudhir – Indian Ambassador to the UAE
• Satish Kumar Sivan – Consul General of India in Dubai
• IIMA Officials – Leading the strategic execution of the new campus

Sheikh Hamdan praised the institute’s presence as a symbol of “deepening bilateral cooperation” and an asset to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global education and innovation hub, aligning with strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Education 33.

“Indian in Spirit, Global in Outlook”

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the launch as a “milestone in the globalisation of India’s education”, stating that IIMA Dubai reflects the institute’s core philosophy of being “Indian in spirit, global in outlook.” He lauded the UAE’s support in realizing this joint vision.

Campus Phases and Academic Vision

The Dubai campus is planned in two development phases,

• Phase 1: Operations begin at Dubai International Academic City with full-time academic activity
• Phase 2 (by 2029): Establishment of a permanent campus on land provided by UAE authorities

The campus is launching with a one-year, full-time MBA programme, targeted at working professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a global edge in management education.

First Batch and Curriculum

The first cohort at IIMA Dubai consists of 35 students from diverse sectors including,

• Banking
• Consulting
• IT
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing

The course is structured over five terms, emphasizing advanced leadership, strategic thinking, and international business. The Dubai setting provides a multicultural learning environment and close proximity to global business hubs.

Strategic Significance for India and UAE

This expansion holds long-term implications,

• Enhances India’s educational soft power and global brand
• Strengthens India-UAE diplomatic and academic ties
• Supports Dubai’s goal to attract international students and faculty
• Provides Indian management education access to West Asia, Africa, and Europe

The initiative also aligns with NEP 2020, which encourages Indian institutions to set up overseas campuses and promote India as a global education destination.

Key Points to Remember

• Event: Inauguration of IIMA’s first international campus
• Location: Dubai International Academic City
• Inaugurated by: Sheikh Hamdan (Dubai) and Dharmendra Pradhan (India)
• Programme Launched: One-year full-time MBA for professionals
• Future Plan: Permanent campus by 2029
• Significance: First global campus by an IIM, part of India’s education diplomacy