First International Campus of IIT Delhi Opens in Abu Dhabi

Inauguration and Significance

• The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inaugurated the IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi campus on September 4, 2024.
• This marks the first international campus of India's prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
• The establishment aligns with the Vision Document launched in February 2022 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• The campus is seen as a significant step in Abu Dhabi's efforts to become a global hub for research and development.
• It represents a major milestone in international academic collaboration between India and the UAE.

Academic Offerings and Admissions

Initial enrollment: 52 students in two undergraduate programs:

1. Computer Science and Engineering

2. Energy Engineering

• These programs are designed to align with global technological trends and regional needs.

Admissions process includes two methods:

1. JEE Advanced Exam (standard method used in India)

2. Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) for international students

• Master of Technology (M.Tech) program focusing on Energy Transition and Sustainability has also been introduced.
• The diverse academic program includes courses in energy, engineering, and computer science.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Sheikh Khaled oversaw the launch of strategic partnerships between:

• • IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi
  • Parent campus IIT-Delhi
  • Leading Abu Dhabi institutions: Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Zayed University

Specific collaborations include:

• • Joint research projects with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
  • Postgraduate student exchanges
  • Scientific seminar organization
  • Research engagement, seed project grants, and internships with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
• These partnerships aim to foster joint research, academic programs, and student and faculty exchanges.

Future Prospects and Impact

• The campus is expected to expand its offerings with more specialized programs meeting regional and global demands.
• Increased research collaborations between Indian and UAE institutions are anticipated.
• Plans for strong industry partnerships, both locally and internationally, to support research and development.
• The establishment is seen as a significant step in globalizing Indian higher education.
• It demonstrates India's ability to share its academic expertise internationally.
• The partnership strengthens educational and knowledge exchanges between India and the UAE.
• The campus aims to develop skilled human resources, benefiting both countries and the region.