Expanding Indian Education to Global Frontiers
IIM-Ahmedabad’s First Global Campus to Open in Dubai in 2025 : In a landmark move, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has announced the launch of its first international campus in Dubai. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Government of the United Arab Emirates and aims to extend the institute’s reach to global learners. This announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai and signals India’s strong push towards globalizing higher education. The new campus will begin operations in September 2025, offering a one-year full-time MBA programme tailored for working professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Phased Campus Development in Dubai
The international campus is being developed in two distinct phases. In Phase One, classes will commence at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a top educational hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a multicultural student population. By 2029, a permanent campus is expected to be established on land allocated by the UAE government. This long-term plan aligns with IIM Ahmedabad’s ambition of becoming a global leader in management education, bringing Indian academic excellence to the Middle East.
A Global MBA with a Regional Pulse
The program structure at the Dubai campus is designed to address the upskilling needs of professionals in the global market. The one-year MBA will be divided into five rigorous terms, with a wide range of electives allowing for specialization in areas such as finance, entrepreneurship, operations, and leadership. The program will maintain international standards, offering access to world-class faculty, industry networks, and peer collaborations across sectors. Admissions will follow a two-stage process involving GMAT/GRE scores, ensuring a competitive and merit-based intake.
Diplomatic, Academic, and Strategic Significance
The initiative has been praised by India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who described it as a milestone in expanding India-UAE educational ties. IIM-A Director Bharat Bhaskar expressed optimism that the Dubai campus would elevate the institute’s research and academic engagement across borders. Additionally, Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, called the partnership a strategic step in positioning Dubai as a knowledge economy hub. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, hailed the initiative as a strong symbol of the deepening India–UAE bilateral relationship.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
IIM-Ahmedabad’s First Global Campus to Open in Dubai in 2025 :
| Aspect | Details |
| Institution | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) |
| New Campus Location | Dubai, UAE |
| Launch Date | September 2025 |
| Initial Site | Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) |
| Permanent Campus Timeline | By 2029, with UAE government-provided land |
| First Program | Full-time one-year MBA for global professionals |
| Admission Criteria | Based on GMAT/GRE (valid within 5 years), two-stage selection |
| Program Duration | One year (Five terms with elective specializations) |
| Strategic Partner | Government of the UAE |
| Supporting Officials | Dharmendra Pradhan, Bharat Bhaskar, Hadi Badri, Sunjay Sudhir |
| Significance | First international campus by any IIM; boosts India’s global education reach |
