The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of India’s top business schools, is set to make its international debut with a new campus in Dubai. This strategic expansion marks a significant step in IIMA’s mission to globalise its presence and offer advanced management education to professionals and entrepreneurs in the Middle East and surrounding regions.
Announced through a formal agreement with the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this move is expected to bolster Dubai’s status as a regional hub for academic excellence and innovation.
Two-Phase Expansion in Dubai
The IIMA Dubai Campus will be developed in two major stages:
Phase One – Temporary Launch at DIAC
In the initial phase, IIMA will operate from the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)—the region’s premier higher education hub. The first programme will roll out in September 2025, bringing IIMA’s globally recognised curriculum to the Middle East.
Phase Two – Permanent Campus by 2029
Over the next few years, IIMA will begin development of a custom-built permanent campus in Dubai, expected to be operational by 2029. The land allotment for this phase is being facilitated by the UAE government, reinforcing the bilateral commitment to educational collaboration.
Flagship Offering: One-Year Full-Time Global MBA
The Dubai campus will launch with a One-Year Full-Time MBA programme, tailored for experienced professionals aiming to take on leadership roles in the global market.
- Admission Process: Applicants will need to submit GMAT or GRE scores valid within the last five years.
- Target Audience: Mid- to senior-level professionals from across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa seeking high-impact management training.
- Programme Focus: Global business dynamics, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
This offering is expected to be the cornerstone of IIMA’s international presence, replicating the success of its one-year PGPX programme offered at the Ahmedabad campus.
Why Dubai?
Speaking on the decision to establish a base in the UAE, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, noted:
“Dubai’s position as a global innovation and entrepreneurship hub makes it the perfect location for IIMA’s first international campus. We aim to bring the same rigour and quality of education that IIMA is known for, while making it accessible to aspiring leaders in the Middle East.”
The expansion aligns with Dubai’s vision to attract global talent and position itself as an international education destination.
Strategic Collaboration and Economic Impact
The initiative is supported by the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC). According to its CEO Hadi Badri, the entry of IIMA will not only enhance academic infrastructure in Dubai but will also:
- Build business leadership capacity in the region
- Attract international professionals seeking Indian management expertise
- Strengthen UAE–India ties in higher education and innovation
Leadership Endorsement
Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of the IIMA Board of Governors, stated:
“The Dubai campus is more than just an extension—it’s an opportunity to shape global leaders. We’re committed to delivering transformative learning experiences that have a lasting impact on individuals, businesses, and communities.”
He also reaffirmed that IIMA’s global expansion will enhance—not replace—its focus on strengthening its core programmes and research in India.
A Step Toward Global Recognition
IIMA’s move mirrors a growing trend among India’s top institutions to establish international footprints. With growing global demand for business education and leadership development, IIMA’s new Dubai campus will:
- Foster cross-cultural learning and global exposure
- Create collaborative opportunities with businesses and academic institutions in the UAE
- Provide a platform for IIMA to share India’s management philosophy with the world
This expansion comes amid rising international recognition for Indian higher education and increasing collaboration between India and the Gulf countries in trade, technology, and education.
What It Means for Students and Professionals
For professionals based in the Middle East and surrounding regions, the IIMA Dubai campus presents an opportunity to:
- Access one of Asia’s most prestigious business education brands
- Pursue an intensive, world-class MBA without relocating to India
- Join a vast alumni network spanning industries and continents
The institute also plans to introduce executive education programmes and industry-academic partnerships in subsequent years, depending on demand and infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
With its decision to establish a campus in Dubai, IIM Ahmedabad enters a new era of global influence. The move not only highlights the international demand for Indian management expertise but also reflects the growing aspirations of Indian institutions to shape the global knowledge economy.
As the Dubai campus prepares to welcome its first cohort in 2025, IIMA’s vision to become a global hub for leadership development and innovation appears well on track—redefining what it means to be a truly international Indian institution.
