Dharmendra Pradhan Explores Expansion of Indian Schools and Education Partnerships in UAE

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at strengthening educational collaborations between the two nations. On Wednesday, Pradhan met Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, where discussions focused on the opening of more Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE to cater to the growing needs of the Indian diaspora.

His visit also included the inauguration of the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus, the launch of new academic programmes, and preparations for the inauguration of IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus. The trip reflects India’s intent to foster academic excellence, innovation, and bilateral cooperation in education and research.

Meeting with Abu Dhabi’s Education Leadership

During his meeting with Sara Musallam, Pradhan highlighted the significance of expanding Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE. With a large Indian expatriate community residing in the region, the demand for quality Indian education has grown significantly. Both sides agreed that establishing more such schools would meet the educational aspirations of Indian students abroad while also promoting cultural and educational exchange.

The discussions also included the possibility of two-way student exchanges from the school level onwards, reflecting the vision to deepen people-to-people and knowledge partnerships between India and the UAE.

Atal Incubation Centre at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi

One of the highlights of Pradhan’s visit was the inauguration of the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus. This is the first-ever AIC hosted by an Indian institution overseas, marking a milestone in India’s global innovation outreach.

The AIC is expected to serve as a hub for joint start-ups and research-led ventures, bringing together innovators from both India and the UAE. It will provide world-class incubation facilities and support entrepreneurs in sectors of mutual importance, including:

• Deep technology
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Clean energy
• Healthcare
• Sustainable development

Pradhan emphasised that the AIC will not only boost collaborative innovation but also act as a gateway for Indian start-ups to access Middle Eastern markets.

IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi: From Concept to Reality

Pradhan also visited the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus, marking his second visit to the institute. He noted with satisfaction the transformation of the institute from a mere concept to a full-fledged academic and research hub.

He praised IIT Delhi’s legacy of academic excellence and research innovation, describing the Abu Dhabi campus as a “beacon of knowledge and a lighthouse of the India-UAE knowledge partnership.”

Pradhan also appreciated the digital wall installation that chronicles the institute’s journey from vision to reality, describing it as a personally fulfilling experience.

Launch of New Academic Programmes

During the visit, Pradhan launched B.Tech and Ph.D programmes in Chemical Engineering and in Energy and Sustainability at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi. These programmes are designed to equip students with advanced technical knowledge and research skills in areas critical to global development.

Pradhan expressed confidence that students graduating from the campus will become global leaders and innovators, leaving a mark on industries and communities worldwide. He also commended the creativity of students for preparing a colourful ‘rangoli’ display to welcome him at the campus, symbolising cultural ties between India and the UAE.

Showcasing India’s Educational Innovations

In his interactions, Pradhan shared India’s achievements in nurturing innovation at the school level, particularly through Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). He explained how ATLs have been instrumental in fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills among Indian students.

He further suggested that Indian schools in the UAE could implement Atal Innovation Labs, thereby extending the benefits of India’s innovation ecosystem to students abroad. This proposal was welcomed as an avenue to strengthen knowledge-sharing and educational innovation across borders.

Broader Educational Cooperation

Pradhan’s visit underlined the importance of expanding India-UAE cooperation in education. The Ministry of Education, in its statement, noted that both sides engaged in productive discussions on:

• Expanding Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE.
• Facilitating student exchanges at multiple levels.
• Enhancing collaboration in research, innovation, and higher education.
• Strengthening academic ties between institutions of both countries.

The conversations demonstrated a shared commitment to building a future-oriented education partnership that prepares students for the demands of a globalised economy.

Significance of the Visit

Pradhan’s UAE trip is part of India’s larger efforts to position itself as a global leader in education and innovation. By establishing campuses of premier institutions such as IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi and IIM Ahmedabad in Dubai, India is extending its knowledge ecosystem to international platforms.

For the Indian diaspora, the expansion of Indian curriculum-based schools ensures that children can access familiar, high-quality education while living abroad. For UAE students and institutions, it opens opportunities for collaboration, cross-cultural learning, and cutting-edge research.

Looking Ahead

Beyond inaugurations and launches, Pradhan’s visit is about laying the foundation for long-term collaboration in education, research, and innovation. He is expected to engage with UAE leaders, ministers, policymakers, academicians, and representatives from Indian and Emirati institutions to advance bilateral educational ties.

With the inauguration of the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus on the horizon, coupled with the operationalisation of IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi and the launch of the AIC, the India-UAE education partnership is entering a new phase of growth and innovation.

Conclusion

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s UAE visit is a landmark step in expanding India’s educational footprint abroad. From discussions on opening more Indian curriculum-based schools to the inauguration of the first overseas Atal Incubation Centre, and the launch of new academic programmes at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi, the visit encapsulates a vision of educational excellence, innovation, and cultural partnership.