From the heart of India to the middle of the world

FIRST IIM TO GO INTERNATIONAL

- VIKRAM CHAUDHARY

THE INDIAN INSTITUTE of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) is establishing an international campus in Dubai, marking a significant step in its global expansion. We talked to Prof Bharat Bhasker, director, IIM Ahmedabad, who shared why it's unique.

When did IIM Ahmedabad start the Dubai campus?

IIM Ahmedabad started offering executive education in Dubai in 2018-19, and set up an office that provided short courses to upskill professionals. "We then realised there is high demand for management education in the region," Prof Bhasker said. But a full-fledged campus is only starting this year.

What exactly is it?

The Dubai campus will be a full-fledged international branch campus of IIM Ahmedabad, recognised by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) — the regulatory agency for higher education in the United Arab Emirates. It will run MBA and MBA-like programmes.

Which is the first programme?

It's the one-year executive MBA, whose students will get a degree in August 2026. It will be open only for experienced professionals, and admissions will be via either the GMAT or the GRE route.

What about the student profile?