IIM Ahmedabad Launches First International Campus in Dubai
In a historic milestone for Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) inaugurated its first international campus in Dubai on 11 September 2025. The launch, held at Dubai International Academic City, was led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Dubai campus marks the first overseas expansion by an Indian Institute of Management, underscoring India’s growing role in global education.
Academic Vision and First Batch
The campus begins operations with a one-year, full-time MBA programme for working professionals and entrepreneurs. The inaugural batch of 35 students comes from diverse sectors including banking, consulting, IT, and healthcare. The programme emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and international business, leveraging Dubai’s status as a global hub.
Future Expansion
Currently housed in Dubai International Academic City, the institute plans to establish a permanent campus by 2029 on land allocated by UAE authorities.
Strategic Importance
This initiative enhances India’s educational soft power, supports Dubai’s ambition to be an innovation hub, and aligns with India’s NEP 2020 vision of globalising its education sector. It also strengthens India-UAE ties while offering Indian management education access to West Asia, Africa, and Europe.
