IIM Ahmedabad Opens First Overseas Campus in Dubai for Global Growth

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad or IIMA), one of the most respected business schools in the world, has taken a historic step. For the first time in its long and successful journey, the institute has opened a campus outside India. The new campus was officially inaugurated in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) on 11 September 2025.

This major announcement was led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. His presence highlighted the importance of this launch for both Dubai and India.

The opening of IIMA’s first international campus shows how fast Dubai is becoming a top global hub for higher education, innovation, and business leadership. It also marks a new chapter in the growing partnership between India and the UAE.

Why Dubai for IIM Ahmedabad’s First Global Campus?

Dubai has worked for years to build its reputation as a global education hub. By hosting international universities, research centres, and innovation labs, the city has made itself attractive to students and professionals from all over the world.

For IIM Ahmedabad, choosing Dubai as the home for its first overseas campus is a strategic move. The city offers:

• Global Connectivity: Dubai is one of the best-connected cities in the world, making it easy for students and professionals from Asia, Africa, and Europe to come here.
• Thriving Business Environment: As a financial and business hub, Dubai gives MBA students real-world opportunities to connect with global companies.
• Multicultural Talent Pool: Students get to learn in a city that represents over 200 nationalities, enriching their classroom experience.
• Government Support: The UAE leadership actively supports higher education and innovation as part of its long-term growth strategy.

This combination of factors makes Dubai the ideal place for IIMA to plant its flag outside India.

Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision for Education and Youth

Speaking at the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan underlined the deep ties between India and the UAE. He said the new IIMA Dubai campus reflects the shared vision of the two nations to empower young people.

“Dubai is growing as a destination of choice for outstanding students,” he said. “By equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge they need, we are preparing them to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world.”

This vision ties closely to Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy, which aim to position Dubai among the top global cities for education, innovation, and economic growth.

India’s Support for IIMA’s Global Expansion

The event also saw the presence of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who described the Dubai campus as a proud moment for the country.

He said: “IIM Ahmedabad is taking the best of India to the world. This campus in Dubai will not only help students in the region but also strengthen India’s brand as a global leader in education.”

For India, this expansion is part of the government’s larger plan to internationalise its top institutions and share its expertise in management education with the world.

What Will the IIMA Dubai Campus Offer?

In its first year, the IIMA Dubai campus is launching its flagship one-year full-time MBA programme. This programme is designed for working professionals and aspiring leaders across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The MBA will focus on:

• Leadership and strategy
• Global business and innovation
• Entrepreneurship and startup growth
• Regional business challenges and opportunities

Beyond the MBA, the campus also plans to set up two important centres of excellence:

1. Case Writing and Development Centre – This will create high-quality business case studies relevant to the UAE, GCC, and global market.
2. Startup Incubation Centre – This will support Dubai’s fast-growing startup ecosystem by mentoring and guiding new businesses.

Both centres will help IIMA Dubai play a bigger role in shaping the region’s knowledge economy.

Strengthening UAE–India Educational Ties

The launch of this campus is more than just an academic milestone. It reflects the growing strategic relationship between the UAE and India, two nations that already enjoy strong trade, cultural, and political links.

Recent initiatives also include:

• Plans to create Atal Tinkering Labs in Indian curriculum schools in the UAE and Gulf region to promote STEM learning.
• More joint research projects between universities in both countries.
• Stronger collaborations between higher education institutions on innovation and capacity building.

By bringing IIMA into Dubai, the two nations are sending a clear signal: education will remain at the heart of their partnership.

The Bigger Vision: Dubai as a Global Education Hub

For Dubai, attracting a world-class institution like IIM Ahmedabad is part of its larger strategy to strengthen its global standing. With campuses from the US, UK, India, and Australia already operating here, Dubai International Academic City is one of the largest hubs for international education in the Middle East.

IIMA’s arrival is expected to:

• Increase Dubai’s visibility as a top study destination.
• Encourage more high-achieving students and professionals to choose the UAE over other global options.
• Boost research and case study production relevant to the Gulf and wider Middle East.
• Support startups and entrepreneurs through incubator initiatives.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Like any new project, IIMA Dubai will face challenges. It will need to compete with other international universities already established in the UAE. It must also adapt its teaching style to regional cultural and business contexts.

However, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. The IIMA brand is already trusted across the world, and its alumni network includes some of the most successful business leaders globally. By bringing this brand to Dubai, the institute has a strong chance of success.

Why This Matters for Students and Professionals

For students in the Middle East and Africa, this is a game-changer. Many professionals who wanted to study at IIM Ahmedabad in India but could not relocate now have a chance to pursue a world-class MBA closer to home.

Some of the benefits include:

• World-class faculty with global and regional expertise.
• Networking opportunities with leaders across industries in Dubai.
• Access to IIMA’s alumni network, one of the most powerful business networks in the world.
• Exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship, thanks to Dubai’s startup ecosystem.

For professionals and entrepreneurs, the Dubai campus will also host executive education programmes, short courses, and industry partnerships, making it a valuable platform for career growth.

Final Thoughts

The launch of IIM Ahmedabad’s first international campus in Dubai is more than just an academic achievement. It is a symbol of the growing friendship between India and the UAE, and a powerful step in making Dubai a true global hub for education, talent, and business leadership.

For students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, this campus offers a golden opportunity to study with one of the world’s best management institutes—right in the heart of Dubai.