India’s premier business school, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), is set to open its first international campus in Dubai in September 2025. The institution brings with it a globally recognized MBA programme, known for its rigorous academic model and industry-aligned approach. The cost of the one-year, full-time MBA programme has been set at $80,000 (Dh294,000), which includes tuition, books, visa processing, medical insurance, and access to campus facilities — offering an all-inclusive package for prospective students.

In an exclusive conversation, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, confirmed that the Dubai programme mirrors the institute’s prestigious MBA for Executives (PGPX) in India. “The $80,000 fee is comprehensive, covering not just tuition, but all essential services including medical insurance and visa support. We also provide merit-based scholarships at both the entry and exit levels,” he noted.

A Strategic Location and Long-Term Vision

Initially based at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the Dubai campus offers a multicultural academic environment. A permanent, purpose-built campus is expected to be operational by 2029, developed on land allocated through the UAE-India educational collaboration.

This significant step forward follows a high-level visit in April 2024 by a UAE delegation led by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A formal memorandum of understanding was signed between IIMA and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, signifying a new chapter in cross-border academic cooperation.

Focus on Research and Regional Impact

IIMA’s Dubai campus is not only about academics — it will also serve as a hub for applied research and innovation. In its inaugural year, two dedicated research centres will be launched: one for business case development and another focused on start-up incubation.

Professor Bhasker emphasized that future research at the Dubai campus will align with the city’s D33 economic agenda, with special focus areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, retail, and supply chain innovation. Collaborations with local technology labs and research institutions are also under exploration to support this goal.

Admissions Now Open

Applications for the first intake are currently open and will close on July 31, 2025. The admission process is competitive and includes a two-stage evaluation, requiring applicants to submit valid GMAT or GRE scores (from the last five years) and demonstrate a minimum of four years of post-graduate full-time work experience.

The first cohort is expected to include 40 to 50 students, with plans to scale to 900 students over the next decade. Faculty members from IIMA India will teach the inaugural class in Dubai, ensuring the same academic excellence, with full-time faculty appointments in Dubai to follow.

A Global Learning Experience with Local Relevance

The programme structure will follow a five-term format, including an independent research project and optional international immersion. This hands-on model is designed to give professionals real-world insights into global management practices.

“This programme is tailored for experienced professionals and entrepreneurs who are aiming to move into strategic or executive roles,” said Bhasker. “It reflects IIMA’s renowned case-based learning model and focuses on building leadership skills that align with the UAE’s innovation and economic growth agenda.”

While IIMA already holds a rich collection of over 5,000 business case studies, the Dubai campus will offer a regional perspective. “We are developing new case studies focusing on businesses in the UAE and the GCC. Our case method bridges the academic-industry gap and ensures contextual learning for our students,” Bhasker added.

Global Influence, Local Impact

Professor Bhasker also highlighted the cross-border advantages of establishing a campus in Dubai. “This initiative enhances knowledge exchange between our India and Dubai campuses, offering unique perspectives to students on both sides. Over the last six decades, IIMA’s alumni and faculty have made significant contributions to global business and policy. With our Dubai campus, we aim to deepen our international presence and contribute to the region’s development goals.”

With a globally respected brand and a clear commitment to regional relevance, IIMA Dubai promises to be a transformative force in executive education, offering working professionals in the UAE and beyond a unique opportunity to level up their careers with a world-class MBA.