IIM-Ahmedabad to Set Up Campus in Dubai

In a major leap toward global expansion, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Ahmedabad is set to establish its first-ever overseas campus in Dubai. This move, announced after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIM-Ahmedabad and the UAE government, will enhance India’s higher education footprint internationally. The Dubai campus will initially offer a full-time one-year MBA program tailored for global professionals and entrepreneurs. This initiative, scheduled to open in September 2025, is a significant step in strengthening India’s global presence in management education. The campus will be established in two phases, with the first phase starting in Dubai’s International Academic City (DIAC) and a permanent campus to be operational by 2029.

Key Highlights

Establishment of IIM-Ahmedabad’s Dubai Campus

• The first-ever global campus of IIM-Ahmedabad will be set up in Dubai, making it a pioneering initiative for the institution.
• The announcement followed the signing of an MoU between IIM-Ahmedabad and the UAE government in Mumbai.

MBA Program

• The Dubai campus will initially offer a full-time one-year MBA program.
• The program is designed to meet the advanced management learning and upskilling needs of global working professionals and entrepreneurs.
• Admissions for the first batch will start soon, with classes commencing in September 2025.

Phased Development

• Phase 1: The campus will begin operations in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a premier educational hub known for its multicultural environment and state-of-the-art academic resources.
• Phase 2: A permanent campus will be built by 2029, with dedicated land provided by the UAE government.

Strategic Location and Vision

• Dubai is seen as an ideal location for the campus due to its status as a global epicenter for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
• The Dubai campus will offer access to international markets, world-class faculty, and diverse peers, aligning with IIM Ahmedabad’s global vision for education.

Government and Institutional Support

• The UAE government’s support for the project was emphasized by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who praised the MoU as a step toward globalizing Indian higher education.
• IIM Ahmedabad’s director, Bharat Bhaskar, expressed confidence that the Dubai campus would create new benchmarks for academic and research collaborations in the Middle East and Asia.

Collaboration with Dubai’s Economic Development

• Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), highlighted that the campus would enhance Dubai’s reputation as a hub for talent and innovation.
• Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, called the establishment of the campus a landmark moment in the India-UAE bilateral relationship.

Program Admission and Structure

• The MBA program at the Dubai campus will be spread over five terms and will offer a rigorous academic structure with international exposure.
• The program will feature an extensive portfolio of electives, allowing students to specialize in various fields of management.

Strategic Impact on IIM Ahmedabad

• The Dubai campus is expected to boost IIM Ahmedabad’s status as a global leader in management education.
• The collaboration will foster cross-cultural exchanges, preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.