India-UAE Academic Ties Deepen as IIM Ahmedabad Unveils First Overseas Campus

India-UAE Knowledge Partnership Strengthens with IIM Ahmedabad’s International Debut

India’s higher education system is undergoing a transformative shift, with universities around the world setting new campuses in India. Indian universities are emphasising internationalisation and adapting strategic global partnerships. Universities are adopting an approach to align education with innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border mobility. Recently, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) expanded its education globally by opening its new campus in Dubai. This development points to India's growth in global education and the UAE’s emergence as a regional hub for academic excellence.

In a landmark event, the Dubai campus was officially opened on 11 September 2025 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rahid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The campus is located inside Dubai International Academic City, it represents IIM Ahmedabad’s first international foray and is generally seen as a strategic move toward the globalisation of higher education in India. This project enhances India’s academic reach but also supports the UAE’s position as a global hub for hosting top-rated institutions.

Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, who was present at the ceremony during his official visit to the UAE, is known to have referred to the launch as a landmark moment in India's education diplomacy. He was said to have stressed that the Dubai campus would be the takeoff point for the spirit of "Indian in spirit, global in outlook" and bring the best of Indian academic and educational excellence to global learners. The one-year full-time MBA Dubai programme is the Dubai campus's first offering, and it's tailored for entrepreneurs and working professionals. The inaugural cohort includes 35 students representing various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT, consulting, and banking. The curriculum is designed into five academic terms with a core focus on strategic leadership, global business, and innovation. The campus will be run in two phases, with a permanent building to be completed by 2029 on land donated by the UAE authorities.

Minister Pradhan, on his visit, also engaged in bilateral talks with the UAE's Acting Minister of Higher Education, Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar. The talks purported to emphasise joint research in new areas, capacity building, and exchange programmes. Both countries reiterated their interest in strengthening knowledge partnerships, with India as a global talent destination and the UAE as a global economic centre.  The minister then made a call on Manipal University Dubai, where he took part in a roundtable with officials from Indian institutions such as BITS Pilani Dubai, Symbiosis, MIT, and Amity. Talks are reported to have focused on increasing innovation and entrepreneurship, with special focus on transferring research outcomes from academic publications to productisation and marketisation.

Specific to Educational Outreach, Pradhan yesterday announced the setting up of 12 Atal Tinkering Laboratories in CBSE schools of the GCC countries, which will facilitate experiential STEM learning and entrepreneurial mindset development among students. This also reiterates India's determination to create talent that can withstand the future. The activities undertaken in this trip included symbolic endeavours such as the planting of a Ghaf tree at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" campaign, to signify cultural unity and ecological awareness. India has positioned itself fairly in the global academic marketplace through advances made through the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus because the country has fortified its place amid changing geography with regard to overseas education and international cooperation.

Editor’s Note

The opening of IIM Ahmedabad's Dubai campus is more than a ceremony; it is a firm declaration of intent. For decades, India's best institutions have had a reputation for academic excellence, but largely within India. This move is a sign of a change from being interested in only India to being interested in the world. It is a recognition of India's increasing confidence, not just in educating Indian students but in influencing the global discourse on management, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The timing of this step makes it doubly important. With globalisation increasing in higher education, students are now seeking nimble, cross-border options. India's decision to establish an international campus is both timely and compelling. The UAE, with its cosmopolitan population and vibrant economy, is the perfect partner. It is not only a host nation but a partner in redefining global education based on mutual values and aspirations. The symbolism is important too. IIM Ahmedabad, India's prestigious institution, now has a footprint in a part of the world linking East and West. This shakes up the traditional predominance of Western universities and promotes a wider, more pluralistic perspective of global leadership in learning. Yet, expansion for its own sake is not sufficient. The success of the Dubai campus will rely on how effectively it evolves IIM Ahmedabad's culture to an external environment, being respectful of local context and without compromising on academic standards.

Skoobuzz believes that the inauguration of IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus is not merely an institutional milestone; it also reflects how strongly India’s education is rooted globally. India is committed to removing the academic boundaries and reaffirms that the country is committed towards knowledge export, innovation and meaningful partnerships abroad.

FAQs

1. What is IIM Ahmedabad’s new Dubai campus offering?
The Dubai campus of IIM Ahmedabad is offering a one-year full-time MBA programme tailored for experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. The curriculum spans five academic terms and includes core management subjects, strategic leadership, digital transformation, and global business practices. In addition to the MBA, the campus plans to introduce executive education programmes for senior managers and corporate leaders. The programme is designed to blend IIMA’s case-based pedagogy with international exposure, preparing students for leadership roles in a global context.

2. How much are the IIM Ahmedabad MBA fees for Dubai?
The total fee for the One-Year MBA at IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus is USD 80,000. This includes tuition, course materials, library access, and participation in the international immersion programme (excluding travel and accommodation costs). While housing is not included in the fee, arrangements have been made with nearby facilities. Financing options and merit-based scholarships are expected to be available for eligible candidates.

3. Why is IIM Ahmedabad expanding overseas?
IIM Ahmedabad’s expansion into Dubai reflects a strategic move to globalise Indian education and extend its academic influence beyond national borders. The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a global knowledge hub. Dubai was selected for its status as a regional business centre, its multicultural environment, and its strong ties with India. The campus aims to serve professionals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, while strengthening Indo-UAE collaboration in education, research, and innovation.

4. What are the benefits of studying for an MBA in Dubai for Indian students?
Indian students pursuing an MBA in Dubai benefit from:

• Global business exposure through proximity to multinational corporations and start-ups.
• Tax-free salaries and competitive post-MBA job opportunities.
• Access to international networking and industry events.
• A multicultural environment with a large Indian diaspora, easing cultural transition.
• Lower living costs compared to Western countries, with high-quality infrastructure and safety.
• Eligibility for post-study work visas and, in some cases, long-term residence under the UAE’s Golden Visa scheme.

5. How does the Dubai campus differ from IIM Ahmedabad’s India campus?

The Dubai campus differs in several key respects:

• It offers a specialised one-year MBA for mid-career professionals, whereas the India campus provides two-year postgraduate programmes and doctoral research.
• The Dubai curriculum is globally oriented, with a focus on international business, regional strategy, and leadership in emerging markets.
• The student cohort in Dubai is expected to be more diverse, drawing professionals from across the MENA region and beyond.
• The campus operates within Dubai International Academic City, offering streamlined visa processes and modern infrastructure tailored for international learners.
• While the academic ethos remains consistent, the Dubai campus is designed to be globally adaptive and locally responsive, reflecting regional business dynamics.