Current Affairs-Topics

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.

More Related Articles

NPCI’s UPI Help Assistant

In a significant move to enhance digital payment experiences and boost user trust, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched the UPI Help assistant, an AI-powered digital assi

NavIC Receiver Standards India

The Indian government has recently introduced NavIC receiver standards in India to strengthen the country's satellite navigation ecosystem. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation

CDSCO Digital Drug Licensing System

India has recently taken a significant step in pharmaceutical safety by rolling out a robust digital oversight system—the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS)—under the leader

India’s PM2.5 NCD Burden

Air pollution has emerged as one of the gravest health crises in India. According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) 2025 report, jointly published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) and the Ins

8th Pay Commission Update

The 8th Pay Commission, approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2025, is a significant milestone for central government employees and pensioners. Scheduled to roll out from January 1, 2026, this

Extreme Poverty Free State

In a historic development for India’s social development journey, Kerala becomes the first extreme poverty-free state. The announcement will be officially made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vij

Article 371 for Ladakh Explained

In a significant political development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed granting Article 371-like provisions for Ladakh during recent discussions with the Leh Apex Body (LAB)

NHAI 3D Laser Survey

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a significant step towards modernising national highway maintenance with the deployment of 3D laser-based Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) a

Swachhata Campaign India 2025

The Swachhata Campaign India 2025 is making headlines as the Special Campaign 5.0 enters its implementation phase from October 2 to 31, 2025, across Indian government offices. This initiative has

Chandrayaan-2 CME Observation

India’s Chandrayaan-2 CME observation has achieved a remarkable milestone by making the first-ever observation of the sun’s coronal mass ejection (CME) effects on the Moon. This br

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham