The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has struck a deal with the UAE to develop its first overseas campus in Dubai. This is a significant milestone for IIMA, as it becomes the first Indian Institute of Management to establish a worldwide campus. The Dubai campus will provide a full-time, one-year MBA program tailored for the global market.
The expansion will take place in two phases. Initially, the institute will operate out of Dubai International Academic City, a hub noted for its diversified academic environment. By 2029, a permanent campus will be built on land provided by UAE authorities.
The decision is consistent with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which pushes Indian universities to broaden their worldwide reach. Despite this endeavour, prominent universities like IITs and IIMs have traditionally lacked overseas campuses. To date, IIMs have provided global exposure through exchange programs with top foreign universities.
The admission process for the Dubai MBA will be based on GMAT/GRE scores over the previous five years. With only 3% international professors and 2% foreign students in the FT MBA 2025 rankings, IIMA hopes to increase global diversity and attract top talent. The first academic session will begin in September 2025.
