The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), widely recognized as India’s top business school, is taking a bold step toward global expansion by setting up its first-ever international campus in Dubai. This strategic move reflects IIMA’s vision to extend its legacy of excellence in management education to a global audience and attract top talent from across the world.
The new campus will be located in the prestigious Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), one of the world’s leading hubs for higher education. This marks a significant milestone not just for IIMA, but also for the global education landscape, as it brings one of Asia’s most respected academic institutions into the heart of the Middle East.
A Strategic Location for Global Growth
Dubai International Academic City is home to over 27 international branch campuses and attracts students from more than 145 nationalities. By choosing this location, IIMA gains access to a vibrant, multicultural environment, enabling it to cater to a diverse pool of students and professionals.
Dubai has long been a key business and innovation center connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. With its modern infrastructure, favorable business environment, and global workforce, the city offers an ideal setting for business education. IIMA’s presence in Dubai will help strengthen educational ties between India and the UAE while also tapping into the demand for world-class management education in the region.
Flagship One-Year Full-Time MBA Programme to Begin
The first offering at the new campus will be IIMA’s flagship One-Year Full-Time MBA Programme, specially designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs with several years of experience. The programme is intended for those looking to fast-track their careers, sharpen leadership skills, and gain advanced knowledge in areas like strategy, digital transformation, finance, innovation, and global business.
This intensive, immersive course follows the same high standards as the programme offered at IIMA’s main campus in Ahmedabad. With a strong focus on case-based learning, industry exposure, and leadership development, the course will provide students with the tools they need to tackle complex business challenges.
The curriculum is expected to be globally relevant but rooted in the strong academic rigor for which IIMA is known. Students will benefit from interactions with globally renowned faculty members and leading industry professionals.
Phased Development: From Shared Space to Permanent Campus
The Dubai campus is being launched in two phases. In the first phase, IIMA will begin operations using existing infrastructure within Dubai International Academic City. This allows the institute to start offering classes without delay, ensuring students can begin benefiting from IIMA’s expertise right away.
In the second phase, IIMA plans to construct a dedicated, state-of-the-art campus within DIAC. This permanent campus is expected to be ready by 2029 and will feature modern academic buildings, research centers, libraries, student housing, and more. Once complete, the Dubai campus is likely to become a vibrant hub for education, research, and collaboration.
Leadership Speaks on the Global Move
Pankaj R. Patel, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of IIMA, expressed great enthusiasm for the project. He described the Dubai campus as a bold step that aligns with the institute’s long-term vision.
“We are extremely happy to start our full-fledged campus in Dubai with the support of the Government of Dubai this year. Over the next decade, we envision this to be a thriving centre where young leaders of tomorrow will hone their skills, innovate, and become pathfinders,” he said.
IIMA Director Professor Bharat Bhasker also emphasized the significance of this move. He said that by entering international markets, the institute is positioning itself as a truly global educator in the field of business and management.
Why Dubai, Why Now?
There are multiple reasons why IIMA has chosen to expand into Dubai at this time. First, the region has seen growing demand for high-quality management education, especially among mid-career professionals and business leaders. With its strategic location, economic diversity, and expanding startup ecosystem, the Middle East is an ideal environment for business students looking for global opportunities.
Second, Dubai offers strong support for international educational institutions and has positioned itself as a key education destination in the Gulf region. With modern infrastructure, favorable government policies, and global connectivity, it is well-equipped to host world-class institutions like IIMA.
This expansion is also aligned with India’s growing international influence and its commitment to becoming a hub for knowledge and innovation. By setting up operations overseas, IIMA is extending India’s educational footprint while contributing to knowledge exchange and global collaboration.
Admissions Process and Global Talent
The One-Year MBA programme will be open to experienced professionals with valid GMAT or GRE scores obtained in the last five years. The admissions process will be rigorous and holistic, involving academic evaluations, work experience assessments, and personal interviews.
The goal is to attract candidates from across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Students will not only gain access to IIMA’s world-renowned academic expertise but will also become part of its powerful alumni network, which includes more than 44,000 leaders across industries and geographies.
A Strong Alumni Network and International Opportunities
Graduating from IIMA gives students access to one of the strongest alumni networks in the world. Alumni of the One-Year MBA programme have gone on to become CXOs, entrepreneurs, consultants, and policymakers around the globe. With this international campus, IIMA aims to further increase its alumni impact worldwide and foster stronger professional networks for its students.
The Dubai campus will also offer global immersion opportunities, allowing students to engage with businesses and policymakers across the Middle East and other emerging markets.
A New Chapter for Indian Higher Education
The launch of the IIMA Dubai Campus marks a new chapter not only for the institute but also for Indian higher education as a whole. It showcases India’s ability to export world-class academic institutions and compete on the global education stage.
As more Indian institutions consider international expansion, IIMA is leading the way by setting high standards and demonstrating how traditional academic excellence can meet modern global demands.
Final Thoughts
With its entry into Dubai, IIM Ahmedabad is embracing its role as a global education leader. The new campus will give students in the region access to high-quality Indian education, and will help foster a new generation of business leaders equipped for global impact.
As the institute continues to grow and evolve, its presence in Dubai will likely become a key part of its global identity, driving innovation, collaboration, and educational excellence for years to come.
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