The IIMA Dubai Campus opens as the first international branch of IIM Ahmedabad, advancing education excellence and India-UAE knowledge collaboration.
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has officially inaugurated the IIMA Dubai Campus, marking the prestigious institution’s first international expansion. Located at Dubai International Academic City, the new branch underscores the emirate’s growing role as a hub for higher education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai is becoming a destination of choice for outstanding students worldwide. Dubai continues to draw world-class universities as part of our commitment to advancing the higher education sector in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy.
The IIMA Dubai Campus launch represents strengthened ties between India and the UAE. Attended by India’s Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, and senior officials, the ceremony reflected the growing knowledge collaboration between both nations. Pradhan described the event as a “new milestone in India-UAE knowledge collaboration,” calling it a significant step in the globalisation of Indian education.
The first academic offering is a rigorous one-year full-time MBA programme, enrolling 35 students from India, the UAE, and beyond. The cohort spans diverse sectors such as Banking, Consulting, IT, Manufacturing, and Healthcare. Admissions were conducted through GMAT and GRE, ensuring parity with IIMA’s India-based criteria.
Two centres of excellence are planned: a Case Writing Centre focused on region-specific research and a Centre for Entrepreneurship modelled on IIMA Ventures in India. These initiatives will align with Dubai’s innovation agenda and foster future-ready leadership.
Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of IIMA’s Board of Governors, noted: “By establishing a presence in one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship, IIMA is extending its global footprint.”
Speaking to The Brew News, IIMA Director Bharat Bhasker emphasised the institute’s role as an act of soft power, strengthening India-UAE ties while preparing graduates for the AI-driven economy. He outlined ambitions for Dubai to become a thought leader for the Global South, attracting talent from MENA, CIS, and India.
The establishment of the IIMA Dubai Campus marks a milestone in management education, blending academic excellence with regional relevance while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a knowledge capital.
