IIM Ahmedabad to Launch First International Campus in Dubai, Marking a Bold Leap in Global Expansion
Ahmedabad/Dubai – May 2025: In a historic move that reflects India’s growing influence in global education, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) announced the establishment of its first-ever international campus in Dubai. The announcement was made during the institute’s 60th convocation ceremony at the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza, marking a watershed moment in the institute's illustrious history.
The IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus, slated to commence its first academic program in September 2025, positions IIM Ahmedabad as the first Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to operate an overseas campus. This expansion aligns with the institute’s long-term vision to broaden its global reach, attract a diverse student cohort, and bring Indian excellence in management education to international students and professionals.
A Strategic Global Expansion
At the convocation, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, emphasized the institute’s commitment to global educational leadership. “The Dubai campus reflects our mission to expand IIM Ahmedabad’s global reach and foster global leaders with a deep understanding of emerging markets and international business dynamics,” said Professor Bhasker.
Dubai was chosen for its unique position as a global business hub and a melting pot of international talent. The city’s strategic geographic location, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make it an ideal base for IIM Ahmedabad’s global operations.
The new campus will offer a range of IIM Ahmedabad MBA programs, adapted to suit the regional market while maintaining the academic rigor and prestige of the IIM brand. The aim is not only to attract Indian expatriates but also to appeal to aspiring business leaders from across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
A Dual Milestone: Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence Announced
The convocation ceremony celebrated the Dubai campus launch and marked the inauguration of another significant initiative—the Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning. Named after Madan Mohanka, an esteemed industrialist and alumnus (PGP 1967), the center underscores IIM Ahmedabad’s commitment to pedagogical innovation.
The Centre will focus on enhancing the institute’s globally acclaimed case-study-based teaching methodology. With the business world undergoing rapid transformation, the Center aims to craft case studies that reflect contemporary challenges—from AI integration and ESG compliance to startup ecosystems and digital transformation.
Professor Bhasker said, “This center will be a hub for research, faculty development, and industry engagement. It strengthens our foundation as a world-class institution rooted in real-world learning.”
Celebrating Academic Excellence: IIM Ahmedabad Gold Medalists 2025
The 60th convocation was a moment of pride for more than 1,200 graduating students, who received degrees from four flagship programs:
- 22 scholars from the Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD)
- 405 students from the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-PGP)
- 45 students from the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Food and Agri-business Management (MBA-FABM)
- 158 students from the one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-PGPX)
The convocation was graced by Dr. S Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who served as the Chief Guest. His address to the graduates emphasized resilience, innovation, and ethical leadership.
Five outstanding students were honored with gold medals for academic distinction:
- Abhi Bansal, Ishaan Jain, and Aanchal Chadha from MBA-PGP
- Yogesh Kumar R from MBA-FABM
- Aashruth Rangarajan from MBA-PGPX
These IIM Ahmedabad gold medalists of 2025 exemplify the academic excellence and leadership qualities the institute seeks to nurture.
Expanding Executive Education: Financial Planning Programme with FPSB India
In another significant development, IIM Ahmedabad has launched an executive programme in financial planning and investment advisory services in collaboration with FPSB India, the Indian subsidiary of the global Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB). This initiative caters to the increasing need for skilled financial advisors in a fast-evolving economic landscape.
The IIM Ahmedabad financial planning course is a one-year executive program targeting mid-to-senior-level professionals in the finance sector. The curriculum includes:
- Investment and portfolio management
- Taxation and retirement planning
- Estate planning and insurance strategies
- Risk management and regulatory frameworks
- Behavioral finance and leadership training
With admissions starting in March and closing in August 2025, the inaugural batch will begin classes in September 2025. The course also aims to instill ethical standards and strategic decision-making skills, aligning perfectly with IIM Ahmedabad’s mission to develop principled, future-ready professionals.
The program further strengthens IIM Ahmedabad’s partnership with FPSB India, bridging academic knowledge with global financial planning practices.
A New Era for Indian Higher Education
Establishing the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus is more than an international expansion—it signals the globalization of India’s academic excellence. It positions IIM Ahmedabad alongside global elite institutions and demonstrates India’s capacity to export top-tier management education.
By entering the Dubai market, IIM Ahmedabad elevates its brand and paves the way for future collaborations with multinational companies, government entities, and academic institutions in the region. The move will catalyze exchange programs, research partnerships, and executive training opportunities.
This expansion opens new pathways for Indian students to gain global exposure without compromising the quality or recognition of their degrees. It provides access to India’s rich legacy of management education at a globally convenient location for international students.
Conclusion: IIM Ahmedabad’s Global Vision Becomes Reality
From launching the first IIM international campus to expanding case-based learning and executive education, IIM Ahmedabad is boldly redefining global business education. Its Dubai campus initiative intends to integrate Indian academic expertise with international markets and learners.
With its long-standing reputation as a world-class institution, IIM Ahmedabad’s initiatives demonstrate its unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and international collaboration. The developments unveiled at the 60th convocation highlight a new phase in the institute’s journey—one that looks outward, without losing sight of the rigorous academic values that built its legacy.
As India’s most prestigious business school steps onto the global stage, it brings with it an academic tradition and a promise—to nurture the next generation of global leaders who are as rooted in ethics as they are in excellence.
