Dubai | November 7, 2025
In a landmark development for transnational education, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) has announced plans to establish a new international campus in Dubai, joining a growing list of globally reputed universities expanding their footprint in the emirate. The move underscores Dubai’s emergence as a regional hub for higher education and global talent exchange.
The announcement was made as part of Dubai’s “Global Education Strategy 2030”, which aims to attract world-class institutions to the city’s knowledge districts, including Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park. Alongside IIM Ahmedabad, several other leading Indian and international universities are in advanced discussions to open satellite campuses offering postgraduate and executive education programmes.
According to officials, the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus will focus on management, innovation, and entrepreneurship, catering to both regional and international professionals. The institute’s leadership noted that Dubai’s strategic location, business ecosystem, and diverse population make it an ideal destination for global learning initiatives.
“The UAE’s education vision aligns with our goal to create leaders who can thrive in dynamic, global markets,” said an IIM Ahmedabad spokesperson. “This new campus will strengthen academic and industry linkages across India, the Middle East, and beyond.”
Education authorities in the UAE welcomed the expansion, saying it will enhance academic diversity and international collaboration. The emirate already hosts campuses of globally recognised universities, including Heriot-Watt University, Middlesex University, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Analysts see the entry of premier Indian institutions as part of a broader trend of South-South educational partnerships, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global meeting point for knowledge exchange and innovation.
