IIM Ahmedabad will launch its first international campus in Dubai this September, offering a one-year MBA and research centres for startups and case studies.
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), widely regarded as one of the top management institutes in India and across Asia, is all set to take a historic leap this September by launching its first overseas campus — in Dubai. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in IIM Ahmedabad’s legacy and reflects India’s growing global ambition in the education sector.
The initiative was first envisioned by IIM Ahmedabad Director Bharat Bhasker in 2023 and is now becoming a reality in 2025. The Dubai campus will kick off with a one-year MBA programme designed specifically with a regional focus, catering to the business and economic dynamics of the Middle East and Africa. Alongside the MBA course, the new campus will also house two specialized research centres — one for developing case studies rooted in regional and global business scenarios, and the other for supporting and nurturing startup ventures through incubation.
Expressing his pride and excitement, Director Bhasker stated, “The Dubai campus is something I had envisioned in 2023, and I’m thrilled to see it coming to life. The curriculum has been thoughtfully curated, keeping in mind the economic and business landscape of the Middle East and Africa, incorporating local case studies and relevant practices.”
The launch follows a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year between IIM-A and the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement was inked in Mumbai and paved the way for IIM Ahmedabad’s new presence in the Dubai International Academic City — a renowned hub for global higher education. With this development, IIM Ahmedabad becomes the first management school from India to establish an international campus, setting a precedent for other premier institutions.
For Bhasker, the move is much more than an institutional milestone — it’s a strategic moment for Indian higher education on the global stage. “While many Western countries are increasingly restricting access for international students, India must grab this moment. Education is one of our greatest soft power assets. This campus will act as a tool to extend India’s influence and build lasting relationships worldwide,” he explained.
He further added, “Just like China leverages its industrial and trade might to grow its influence, India needs to capitalise on its strengths in education and its vast English-speaking talent pool. If we truly aim to lead the Global South, this is the way forward.”
Broadening Educational Reach
The Dubai campus is strategically positioned to attract students not just from the UAE, but also from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, North Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The first batch is expected to admit around 40 to 50 students, with a long-term vision of scaling the intake to nearly 900 students over the next ten years.
Dubai was a deliberate and natural choice for expansion. “We’ve been conducting executive education programmes in the region for many years. The trust we’ve built made Dubai an ideal location for our first international campus,” Bhasker shared.
Interestingly, the launch comes at a time when global MBA programmes are witnessing a decline in interest. In 2023, there was a 5% drop in applications to graduate business schools worldwide — marking the second year of consecutive decline. Despite this trend, Bhasker remains optimistic about India’s trajectory.
“The decline might be true for the US and European countries, but India stands apart. With a young and growing population, and as the third-largest economy in the world, the demand for skilled managers is only going to rise. That’s where institutes like IIM-Ahmedabad can make a real difference,” he emphasized.
As the Dubai campus opens its doors, IIM Ahmedabad is not just expanding its geographical presence — it’s also reaffirming India’s place as a global provider of high-quality management education.
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