The educational partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is entering a new era, marked by significant advancements that promise to enhance academic cooperation and excellence between the two nations. Central to this growing collaboration is the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s new campus in Abu Dhabi, a move that symbolizes a deepening commitment to academic and technological progress in the region.


The inauguration of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus, a prestigious extension of one of India’s top engineering institutions, was officiated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This event marks a pivotal moment in the broader vision shared by the leaders of India and the UAE, one that seeks to create a future of innovation, academic cooperation, and economic growth. The Abu Dhabi campus is more than just an educational institution; it is a symbol of the flourishing ties between the two nations, cementing their partnership in the field of education.

A New Hub of Innovation and Learning

IIT Delhi’s expansion into Abu Dhabi underscores the global demand for high-quality engineering education and India’s role as a leader in this domain. The campus is set to offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, focused on fostering innovation and addressing real-world challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and data science.

The first cohort of students at the Abu Dhabi campus has been selected through a rigorous admissions process, drawing top talent from India, the UAE, and other countries. This diverse group of students reflects the campus’s commitment to fostering global academic excellence and collaboration. The state-of-the-art facilities on the campus, combined with a picturesque environment, provide an ideal setting for students to explore advanced technologies and pursue cutting-edge research.

This milestone is part of a larger strategic vision aimed at strengthening academic cooperation between India and the UAE. Both countries have long recognized the potential for collaboration in higher education, and the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus is a significant step toward realizing this potential. The campus stands as a beacon of progress in international engineering education and reinforces the shared commitment of both nations to driving technological advancement.

CBSE’s Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai

In addition to the establishment of IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus, the UAE’s educational landscape has been further enriched by the launch of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) first Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai. This development is a major step in providing direct support to the Indian educational community in the region.

The CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence were inaugurated during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024, following official approval from the CBSE Governing Body. The Centre’s mission is focused on professional development for educators, emphasizing a shift from traditional rote memorization to outcome-based learning that prioritizes student comprehension and practical application.

Dr. Ram Shankar, Director of the CBSE Regional Office, recently outlined the board’s goals at a gathering held at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. His remarks emphasized the board’s commitment to improving teaching standards in the UAE, with the introduction of new skill-based subjects, art-integrated learning, and health education. This holistic approach is in line with global trends and reflects the CBSE’s focus on creating a dynamic, future-ready education system for Indian students in the UAE.

Celebrating Teachers and Advancing Professional Development

On Teachers’ Day, the CBSE office in Dubai hosted a major event to commemorate the opening of its first Regional Office outside India. The gathering brought together CBSE officials, representatives from the Consulate General of India in Dubai, and principals from CBSE-affiliated schools across the region. The event was a celebration of educators, and the Centre of Excellence’s establishment marks a new chapter in professional development for teachers in the UAE.

The Centre is designed to offer in-service training for educators, equipping them with the latest pedagogical tools and knowledge to enhance their teaching practices. This includes workshops on innovative teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and digital literacy. The Centre’s goal is to ensure that educators remain at the forefront of educational advancements, helping students achieve their full potential in an ever-evolving global landscape.

A Promising Future for Education in the UAE and India

These developments—ranging from the inauguration of IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus to the establishment of CBSE’s Regional Office in Dubai—underscore the strengthening of educational ties between India and the UAE. The partnership between the two nations is creating a foundation for academic excellence, innovation, and increased opportunities for both students and educators.

With the continued expansion of academic institutions, increased support for educators, and a focus on fostering innovation, the India-UAE educational partnership is poised to have a lasting impact on the region. Together, these initiatives will help create a future where academic excellence drives social and economic progress, benefiting generations to come in both India and the UAE.