Historic expansion of Indian education
IIM Ahmedabad Global Campus Opens in Dubai: On 11 September 2025, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) inaugurated its first-ever international campus in Dubai. The launch was jointly led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister of India.
This event is a landmark in India-UAE academic cooperation, reflecting India’s push for globalisation of education under NEP 2020.
Static GK fact: IIM Ahmedabad was established in 1961 as India’s second IIM, after IIM Calcutta.
High-profile inauguration
The ceremony at Dubai International Academic City witnessed participation from key dignitaries including Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, and senior Indian diplomats Sunjay Sudhir and Satish Kumar Sivan.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the institute’s entry as a step towards Dubai’s Education 33 strategy and D33 Economic Agenda, designed to make Dubai a global hub for innovation and higher learning.
Indian in spirit global in outlook
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the opening as a milestone in India’s higher education diplomacy. He emphasized IIMA’s guiding vision of being “Indian in spirit, global in outlook,” marking a new phase in India’s educational soft power.
Static GK Tip: The Ministry of Education in India was renamed from HRD Ministry in 2020.
Campus phases and roadmap
The IIMA Dubai campus will be developed in two phases.
- Phase 1: Operations begin at Dubai International Academic City with academic programmes.
- Phase 2 (by 2029): A permanent campus will be established on land allocated by UAE authorities.
The flagship offering is a one-year, full-time MBA programme for working professionals and entrepreneurs.
First batch of students
The inaugural cohort includes 35 students from sectors such as banking, IT, healthcare, consulting, and manufacturing. The curriculum spans five terms, focusing on strategic leadership, global business, and advanced management practices.
The Dubai location ensures multicultural exposure and proximity to major business hubs in West Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Static GK fact: Dubai International Academic City hosts over 27 international university campuses.
Strategic significance
The Dubai expansion carries deep long-term value for both nations.
- Enhances India’s educational diplomacy and global visibility.
- Strengthens India-UAE strategic partnership beyond trade and energy.
- Supports Dubai’s ambition to attract global talent.
- Offers Indian management education closer to international markets.
This initiative also aligns with India’s vision of positioning itself as a global education hub, directly supporting NEP 2020 objectives.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
IIM Ahmedabad Global Campus Opens in Dubai:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Inauguration of IIMA’s first international campus |
| Date | 11 September 2025 |
| Location | Dubai International Academic City |
| Inaugurated by | Sheikh Hamdan and Dharmendra Pradhan |
| First batch size | 35 students |
| Programme launched | One-year full-time MBA |
| Future plan | Permanent campus by 2029 |
| India policy link | NEP 2020 promoting overseas campuses |
| Dubai link | Education 33 strategy, D33 Economic Agenda |
| Strategic value | Strengthens India-UAE educational diplomacy |
