Exciting News for Indian Students in UAE: IIM Ahmedabad and IIFT Set to Open UAE Campuses

Dubai: Dubai is soon set to become a hub for top-notch Indian education, offering amazing opportunities for students, especially NRIs (Non-Resident Indians). After the successful launch of IIT Delhi’s campus in Abu Dhabi, two more prestigious institutions, IIM Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), are gearing up to open their doors in the UAE.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, recently shared with The Brew News, some thrilling updates. By the second half of 2025, IIM Ahmedabad will establish its campus in Dubai, and IIFT is expected to follow shortly. This exciting development comes as a result of strong collaboration between India and the UAE.

Earlier this year, UAE’s Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the World Government Summit in Dubai. During their discussions, the decision to expand Indian education in the UAE was reinforced. Later, at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed this plan while attending as the event’s chief guest.

Studying at prestigious institutions like IIM Ahmedabad and IIFT has always been a dream for countless students. Now, these dreams are more achievable than ever, especially for Indian students living in the UAE. These campuses will provide access to top-tier education without requiring students to relocate to India. The initiative also aims to address the growing demand for high-quality education in the UAE. Ambassador Sudhir highlighted this, saying, “The idea is to offer more choices to the Indian community.”

The opening of IIFT’s UAE campus was announced by India’s Minister of Commerce, Piyush Goyal, just last month. The campus will be located at the India Pavilion from Expo 2020 Dubai.

The trend of bringing Indian educational institutions overseas started with IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus. Students can now join this campus without going through the extremely competitive Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). This provides a golden opportunity for aspiring engineers within the region.

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Additionally, Symbiosis International University, another well-known Indian institution, recently opened its first overseas campus in Dubai. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar attended the inauguration, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities abroad.

Earlier this year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) opened its first overseas office in the UAE to ensure better teacher training, improved school management, and enhanced academic support.

For Indian families in the UAE, these developments are game-changing. Students can now access world-class Indian education locally, reducing the financial and emotional challenges of sending children abroad for studies. It’s not just about convenience, though. These campuses promise the same high standards as their Indian counterparts, offering degrees that hold immense global value.

The arrival of IIM Ahmedabad and IIFT, alongside IIT Delhi and Symbiosis, marks a new chapter in the relationship between India and the UAE. It’s not just about bringing institutions closer to students; it’s about creating a global platform for Indian education.

For students dreaming of attending these prestigious institutions, the future has never looked brighter. With world-class campuses and top-tier faculty coming to Dubai, the UAE is fast becoming a global hub for Indian education. If you’re a student or parent in the UAE, it’s time to start planning! Keep an eye out for updates, as 2025 promises to bring exciting changes to the educational landscape in Dubai.