IIM Ahmedabad Launches First International Campus in Dubai with MBA Cohort of 35 Students

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has taken a historic leap by establishing its first-ever international campus at Dubai International Academic City, marking a significant milestone in India-UAE educational collaboration. The inauguration ceremony, held recently, witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries including Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, and senior officials from IIMA. This landmark initiative underscores the vision of both India and Dubai to strengthen knowledge partnerships and elevate global management education.

Strategic Vision: Aligning with Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy

The Dubai campus was conceived under the joint vision of India and Dubai, with a clear alignment to Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, which aims to position the city among the top 10 global student destinations by 2033. Speaking at the inauguration, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that the campus embodies the ethos of “Indian in spirit, global in outlook” and represents a step forward in fostering international knowledge collaboration.

By establishing a physical presence in Dubai, IIMA aims to provide students with a multicultural learning environment, facilitating exposure to global business practices while maintaining a strong connection to Indian management philosophies. This move strategically positions IIMA to attract not only Indian students residing abroad but also international talent seeking high-quality management education in the Middle East.

The MBA Program: Global Exposure for Professionals and Entrepreneurs

The Dubai campus has introduced a one-year full-time MBA programme, specifically designed for global professionals and entrepreneurs. Structured across five intensive terms, the programme combines advanced management education with international exposure, preparing students to address complex business challenges in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The first cohort comprises 35 students, including 27 male (77.14%) and 8 female (22.86%) participants. These students bring diverse professional experiences from sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance, consulting, IT, manufacturing, and healthcare, creating a rich, multidimensional learning environment.

Through immersive learning, case studies, and applied projects, the MBA programme at IIMA Dubai emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial skills, equipping graduates to become transformative leaders across industries.

Centres of Excellence: Case Writing and Start-Up Incubation

To enhance academic and practical learning, the Dubai campus will establish two Centres of Excellence in its first year:

1. Case Writing and Development – Focused on creating high-quality, India-specific business cases for global pedagogical use. This initiative ensures that the learning material is not only globally relevant but also reflects emerging market dynamics in India and the Middle East.
    
2. Start-Up Incubation – Designed to support entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, funding guidance, and access to networks. The incubation centre will foster innovation and help students translate ideas into scalable businesses, reflecting IIMA’s commitment to entrepreneurship and enterprise development.

Additional programs and research initiatives are expected as the campus expands, including sector-specific MBAs, executive education, and interdisciplinary projects designed to address global business challenges.

Comparative Perspective: India’s International Campus Expansion

IIMA Dubai follows a growing trend among Indian institutions that are expanding internationally. Last year, IIT Delhi inaugurated its first international campus in Abu Dhabi on September 3, 2024. The Abu Dhabi campus offers Energy Engineering and Computer Science programs, aligning with regional industry needs and global sustainability goals. The inaugural batch at IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus included 52 students in BTech programs in Computer Science & Engineering and Energy Engineering.

The parallel expansion by IIMA highlights India’s strategic push to globalize its higher education footprint, foster cross-border academic partnerships, and expose students to diverse professional and cultural contexts.

Launch of Atal Incubation Centre and New Programs

Alongside the campus inauguration, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at IIMA Dubai on September 10, further reinforcing the focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The AIC aims to nurture start-ups, providing a platform for mentorship, industry networking, and access to funding opportunities.

Additionally, IIMA Dubai introduced PhD and BTech programs in Chemical Engineering and Energy & Sustainability, highlighting a commitment to research-driven learning and sector-specific skill development. These programs cater to emerging industry requirements and aim to produce graduates capable of driving sustainable development initiatives in India and the UAE.

Strategic Importance: Strengthening India-UAE Knowledge Collaboration

The IIMA Dubai campus signifies more than just geographic expansion. It reflects India’s growing influence in international education, promoting intellectual exchange and bilateral cooperation. By situating the campus in Dubai, IIMA not only taps into a cosmopolitan student population but also leverages the UAE’s strategic position as a hub for global trade, finance, and technology.

This initiative will foster collaborative research, case study development, and entrepreneurial innovation, bridging academic insights with real-world business challenges. It also enhances opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, contributing to a truly globalized academic ecosystem.

Future Outlook: Expanding Global Footprint

The inauguration of IIMA Dubai marks the beginning of an ambitious international journey for the premier Indian management institute. With the first MBA cohort of 35 students, two centres of excellence, and additional programs in the pipeline, IIMA Dubai is poised to become a leading destination for management education in the Middle East and beyond.

By combining India’s rich academic traditions with Dubai’s dynamic global environment, the campus will provide students with the skills, insights, and exposure required to excel in international business arenas. Furthermore, initiatives like the Atal Incubation Centre will create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, bridging innovation and industry while nurturing the next generation of business leaders.