IIMA First International Campus

In a historic step toward the internationalisation of Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) inaugurated its first international campus in Dubai on 11 September 2025. This event marked a significant milestone in the growing India-UAE education partnership, reinforcing shared goals of fostering leadership, innovation, and global talent mobility.

The ceremony was jointly led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Government of India.

High-Profile Inauguration Ceremony

The IIMA First International Campus launch at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) witnessed the presence of senior dignitaries from both nations, including:

• Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi – UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs

• Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy – Minister of State for International Cooperation

• Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri – UAE Minister of Education

• Sunjay Sudhir – Indian Ambassador to the UAE

• Satish Kumar Sivan – Consul General of India in Dubai

• IIMA officials – Leading the strategic execution of the new campus

Sheikh Hamdan praised the IIMA First International Campus as a symbol of “deepening bilateral cooperation” and a key asset for Dubai’s vision to become a global education and innovation hub. The launch aligns with Dubai strategies like Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Education 33.

“Indian in Spirit, Global in Outlook”

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that the IIMA First International Campus reflects the institute’s philosophy: “Indian in spirit, global in outlook.” He commended the UAE’s support for the establishment of this IIM abroad initiative.

This launch is a pioneering step in the IIMA international expansion, enabling Indian education to reach global audiences and fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Campus Phases and Academic Vision

The IIMA First International Campus in Dubai is planned in two development phases:

• Phase 1 (2025): Operations begin at Dubai International Academic City with full-time academic activity.

• Phase 2 (by 2029): A permanent campus will be established on land provided by the UAE authorities.

The campus introduces a one-year, full-time MBA programme in Dubai, specially designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a global MBA edge in management education.

First Batch and Curriculum

The inaugural batch at the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus consists of 35 students from diverse sectors such as:

• Banking

• Consulting

• IT

• Healthcare

• Manufacturing

The MBA curriculum spans five terms, emphasizing advanced leadership, strategic thinking, and international business. The Dubai location provides proximity to global business hubs, offering practical exposure alongside classroom learning.

Strategic Significance for India and UAE

The IIMA First International Campus is strategically important for both countries:

• Enhances India’s educational soft power and global brand

• Strengthens India-UAE diplomatic and academic ties

• Supports Dubai’s goal to attract international students and faculty

• Provides access to Indian management education for West Asia, Africa, and Europe

This initiative aligns with NEP 2020, which encourages Indian institutions to establish IIM abroad campuses, promoting India as a global education destination.

Benefits of Studying at IIMA Dubai

The IIMA First International Campus in Dubai offers several advantages for aspirants and professionals:

• Exposure to a multicultural environment

• Networking with global business leaders

• Access to international faculty and industry experts

• Opportunity to pursue a high-quality Indian MBA in Dubai

Admission for the IIMA Dubai MBA programme is competitive, ensuring that students receive world-class management training at a global campus while retaining the Indian academic essence.

Key Points to Remember – SSC Current Affairs

• Event: Inauguration of IIMA First International Campus

• Location: Dubai International Academic City

• Inaugurated by: Sheikh Hamdan (Dubai) and Dharmendra Pradhan (India)

• Programme Launched: One-year full-time MBA for professionals

• Future Plan: Permanent campus by 2029

• Significance: First global campus by an IIM, part of India’s education diplomacy

• Related Keywords: IIMA Dubai, IIM abroad, Indian MBA Dubai, Global MBA, IIMA first overseas campus, IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus

Final Thoughts

The IIMA First International Campus was inaugurated in Dubai on 11 September 2025, marking a historic step in the internationalisation of Indian higher education. The ceremony was jointly led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, highlighting strong India-UAE educational cooperation.

Located in Dubai International Academic City, the campus will initially operate with a one-year full-time MBA programme for working professionals and entrepreneurs. The inaugural batch includes 35 students from sectors like banking, IT, healthcare, and consulting, offering a multicultural learning environment with global business exposure.

The Dubai campus is part of IIMA’s international expansion and will be developed in two phases, with a permanent campus planned by 2029. This initiative strengthens India-UAE ties, promotes Indian management education abroad, and provides opportunities for aspiring global business leaders.