Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) announced the launch of its first-ever international campus in Dubai. This marks a significant milestone, as IIMA becomes the first among the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management to expand its presence beyond national borders.
The Dubai campus is expected to begin its first academic programme in September 2025. The announcement was made by IIMA Director, Professor Bharat Bhasker, during the institute's 60th convocation ceremony. He emphasized that the move is part of IIMA’s broader vision to enhance its global outreach and provide high-quality management education to a wider audience. The Dubai campus will bring IIMA’s globally recognized MBA programmes to the Middle East, catering to the increasing demand for skilled management professionals in the region.
With Dubai being a rapidly evolving hub for business and innovation, IIMA’s expansion is seen as a strategic step in aligning with global academic and corporate trends. The new campus will aim to attract not only Indian students residing abroad but also international aspirants from the Gulf and neighboring regions. IIMA is expected to offer flagship MBA and executive education programmes that uphold its rigorous academic standards and case-based learning methodology.
In line with this international expansion, Professor Bhasker also unveiled the establishment of the 'Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning.' The center is backed by industrialist and IIMA alumnus Madan Mohanka (PGP 1967), and will serve as a hub for advancing case-based teaching methods, a pedagogical approach central to IIMA’s curriculum. This initiative aims to further cement IIMA’s position as a thought leader in innovative business education techniques.
The announcement came during a landmark event at the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza in Ahmedabad, where the 60th convocation ceremony of IIMA was held. Dr. S. Somanath, the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), attended as the chief guest. In his inspiring address, Dr. Somanath urged graduates to take bold steps in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the evolving world of technology, business, and society at large.
- The ceremony honored a total of 630 students graduating from various programmes:
- 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)
Academic excellence was celebrated as well, with five students receiving gold medals for their exceptional performance:
- Abhi Bansal, Ishaan Jain, and Aanchal Chadha (MBA-PGP)
- Yogesh Kumar R (MBA-FABM)
- Aashruth Rangarajan (MBA-PGPX)
The convocation was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reflection of IIMA’s transformative journey over the decades. The institute continues to produce leaders who shape industries and impact society. The combination of tradition and forward-looking strategy—exemplified by the Dubai campus launch—reinforces IIMA’s standing as a global institution rooted in Indian excellence.
