UAE
Sheikh Hamdan Inaugurates IIM Ahmedabad’s First International Campus in Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, officially inaugurated the first international campus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) at Dubai International Academic City, part of TECOM Group PJSC.
Strengthening UAE–India Educational Ties
Welcoming IIMA to Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan noted that the milestone reflects the deep-rooted partnership between the UAE and India. He emphasized that under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“By equipping our youth with the knowledge, skills, and values to succeed in a rapidly changing environment, we are empowering them to lead with confidence,” Sheikh Hamdan said. He added that the new campus aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy, both designed to place Dubai among the top student cities globally by 2033.
Ceremony Highlights
The high-profile inauguration brought together dignitaries from both the UAE and India. Attendees included Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education; and several other senior officials.
From India, the delegation was led by Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, and Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE. Senior IIMA officials also participated in the ceremony.
A Global Milestone in Education
Dharmendra Pradhan called the campus launch “a new milestone in India-UAE knowledge collaboration,” noting that Dubai provides the perfect platform for IIMA’s ethos of being “Indian in spirit, global in outlook.”
Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of IIMA’s Board of Governors, said, “By establishing a presence in one of the world’s most dynamic hubs, IIMA is extending its global footprint and strengthening its commitment to shaping future-ready leaders.”
Academic Excellence for the Region
The Dubai campus opens with a one-year full-time MBA programme, structured across five terms. Designed for global professionals and entrepreneurs, the programme offers rigorous academics, international exposure, and world-class resources.
In its first year, IIMA will also establish two centres of excellence: one for case writing and development and another for start-up incubation. Over time, additional programmes will expand the Institute’s offerings in Dubai.
TECOM Group’s Role in Growth
Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of TECOM Group PJSC, praised the launch as a testament to Dubai’s evolving higher education landscape. “Our Education Cluster, home to over 85% of students enrolled in private higher education institutions across Dubai, continues to attract world-leading universities like IIMA. This strengthens talent development and supports the knowledge-based economy.”
