Hamdan Bin Mohammed Inaugurates Indian Institute Of Management Ahmedabad's First International Campus In Dubai

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, inaugurated the first international campus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) at Dubai International Academic City. This event marks a significant collaboration between the UAE and India, highlighting their strong ties. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai is becoming a preferred destination for talented students and a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Helal Al Marri, and Aisha Miran from the UAE. From India, Dharmendra Pradhan and Sunjay Sudhir were present along with senior IIMA officials.

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Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai's commitment to advancing higher education in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This initiative aims to position Dubai among the top three urban economies globally. The Education 33 Strategy aspires to make Dubai one of the top 10 student cities by 2033. By fostering a multicultural learning environment, Dubai is building an education ecosystem that supports sustainable development.

The IIMA Dubai Campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support students' learning needs. It aims to provide world-class education opportunities to aspiring leaders in the Middle East and neighbouring regions. The campus will facilitate cross-cultural exchange and academic collaboration.

Dharmendra Pradhan remarked on the significance of IIMA's new campus in Dubai as a step towards globalising India's education system. He stated that this milestone reflects India's spirit of being global in outlook while maintaining its cultural roots. The campus serves as a launchpad for this ethos.

Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of IIMA's Board of Governors, expressed pride in launching the institute's first international campus in such a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This move extends IIMA's global reach and strengthens its commitment to developing future-ready leaders.

Programmes and Future Plans

The first programme offered at IIMA’s Dubai Campus is a full-time one-year MBA designed for professionals seeking advanced management skills. Structured across five terms, it provides rigorous academic training and international exposure aligned with IIMA’s high standards.

In its initial year, the campus plans to establish two centres of excellence focusing on case writing and start-up incubation. As it grows, more academic programmes will be introduced to meet diverse educational needs.

Abdulla Belhoul from TECOM Group PJSC noted that Dubai’s higher education sector is evolving to equip students with future-focused skills necessary for leading a knowledge-based economy. The Education Cluster attracts leading institutions like IIMA, contributing significantly to talent development.

The establishment of IIMA's first international campus in Dubai represents a joint vision between Indian and UAE leaderships. It underscores both nations' dedication to enhancing educational opportunities while fostering innovation through strategic partnerships.

With inputs from WAM