IIM Ahmedabad has taken a significant leap toward globalisation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government to set up a campus in Dubai. This strategic initiative is aimed at expanding the institute’s international footprint and strengthening academic collaboration across borders. The MoU was signed in Mumbai on April 8, marking a major step in the institution’s global outreach journey.
The agreement was signed by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of the institute. The landmark event was witnessed by two high-profile dignitaries—India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
This collaboration symbolizes a convergence of academic excellence and global ambition. IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus, the first of its kind outside India for the institute, is part of a broader vision to cater to emerging global markets, strengthen international partnerships, and enhance the educational experience for students worldwide.
The new campus will initially offer a one-year, full-time MBA program tailored specifically for business professionals and entrepreneurs. Designed to meet the evolving needs of global business ecosystems, this program will consist of five academic terms and is scheduled to commence in September 2025. Admission will be based on valid GRE or GMAT scores achieved within five years of the application date. The application process is expected to be made available soon, giving aspiring business leaders the chance to participate in a truly international academic experience.
The development of the Dubai campus will take place in two major stages. During the initial phase, the institution will operate out of a facility located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a space offered by the UAE government to support the launch. This temporary base will facilitate the quick start of academic activities while the permanent infrastructure is under construction. The second phase involves building a dedicated and fully functional campus, with completion anticipated by 2029.
This expansion is not just about geographic presence; it’s also about impact. “Dubai provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with worldwide industry leaders and innovative start-ups,” said Professor Bhasker, highlighting the region’s strategic value. With its vibrant business environment, international talent pool, and connectivity to global markets, Dubai offers an ideal setting for expanding business education and thought leadership.
The initiative is expected to not only cater to students from the Middle East and South Asia but also attract applicants from Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The idea is to create a diverse, multicultural learning space that reflects the increasingly globalised nature of today’s business world. The campus will serve as a hub for thought leadership, business research, and industry-academic collaboration.
IIM Ahmedabad’s international campus in Dubai reflects a bold new approach to management education—but how will this new venture ensure it retains the core values and academic excellence that the institute is known for?
The answer lies in a carefully crafted academic and operational model that stays rooted in the institute’s foundational principles while adapting to the specific needs of the new region. Faculty from the Indian campus will play an integral role in shaping the curriculum and teaching at the Dubai centre. At the same time, international experts and guest lecturers will be brought in to enrich the learning experience with global perspectives.
The new campus also signals a shift in the institute’s outreach strategy. By moving beyond borders, it aims to cultivate new ecosystems for learning and innovation. In a region like the Middle East, where business is rapidly evolving, such academic ventures can make a tangible impact—not just on students but also on the wider socio-economic landscape.
In addition to the flagship MBA program, future plans for the Dubai campus include executive education programs, industry-specific workshops, and collaborative research initiatives. These programs will be tailored to meet the unique challenges and opportunities present in the region’s economic sectors such as finance, technology, logistics, and energy.
The MoU also comes at a time when both India and the UAE are deepening their bilateral relations in trade, education, and technology. Academic institutions play a critical role in strengthening people-to-people ties, and this move adds an important dimension to that relationship. The presence of the institute in Dubai is expected to foster increased knowledge exchange, student mobility, and joint research between the two countries.
For India’s top business school, establishing a presence in Dubai is not just an expansion—it’s a transformation. It signals the institution’s readiness to redefine the scope of Indian education in the international arena. By setting up operations in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, the institute is paving the way for a new model of global education that combines local relevance with international standards.
The Dubai campus is also aligned with the institute’s larger vision to adapt to global trends in business education. In today’s world, management students must be equipped with a nuanced understanding of international business dynamics. Exposure to diverse markets, cultures, and regulatory environments is essential for developing future leaders who can operate across borders with confidence.
Professor Bhasker emphasized this vision, noting, “Apart from extending our presence within the Middle East, this new campus will enhance our academic profile in India. It’s an opportunity to bring Indian excellence in management education to a wider audience.”
As one of India’s most prestigious academic institutions, IIM Ahmedabad takes its first steps onto the global stage, the Dubai campus is a testament to the changing landscape of higher education. It reflects a shift toward borderless learning, one that leverages the best of both Indian tradition and international innovation.
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