Sheikh Hamdan Launches IIMA Dubai, Boosts India-UAE Ties
Dubai: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) launched its first-ever overseas campus in Dubai today, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), presiding over the inauguration. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates, joined a host of officials from both nations at the event held in Dubai’s vibrant academic hub.
The new Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad campus in Dubai marks a historic milestone as the premier Indian business school ventures abroad. Speaking at the ceremony, Pradhan said, “It is a great honour to have the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Dubai campus inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This is another big leap towards globalisation of India’s education as envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” He added that “Dubai, today, has provided the perfect launchpad to the ethos of ‘Indian in spirit, global in outlook’ by hosting the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad international campus.” Pradhan thanked Sheikh Hamdan for “adding a glorious leaf to India-United Arab Emirates knowledge collaboration,” emphasizing the campus’s role in sharing India’s management education expertise globally.
The event was attended by Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Satish Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, Pankaj Patel, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and Professor Bharat Bhaskar, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by United Arab Emirates officials, including Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism; and Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
In a separate meeting, Pradhan and Dr. Al Awar reviewed India-United Arab Emirates cooperation in higher education, discussing joint research in emerging fields, capacity building, and academic and cultural exchanges. Pradhan acknowledged the United Arab Emirates’ support, noting that Dr. Al Awar appreciated “the contributions by Indian educational institutions in Dubai, particularly towards advancing mutual priorities and fostering global connectivity.” He described India as “a global hotspot of talent” and the United Arab Emirates as “a global economic hotspot,” highlighting both nations’ commitment to strengthening their historic ties through such initiatives.
Later, Pradhan visited the Manipal University campus in Dubai, engaging in a roundtable with representatives from Indian institutions like Symbiosis, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), and Amity, among others. The talks focused on the United Arab Emirates’ educational strategies and the need to advance research from academic papers to practical applications. Pradhan stressed, “There were productive deliberations on strengthening Brand India on the global education, innovation and entrepreneurship map,” urging institutions to align with global market demands.
Pradhan also met with principals of 109 Indian Curriculum schools in the United Arab Emirates, with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) school principals from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and global Central Board of Secondary Education schools joining virtually. He announced the establishment of 12 Atal Tinkering Labs in Central Board of Secondary Education schools across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, aimed at fostering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) innovation among students through hands-on projects. “These labs will ignite scientific inquiry and entrepreneurship among students,” he said, underscoring their potential to nurture young innovators.
At the Indian Consulate in Dubai, Pradhan planted a Ghaf tree sapling, the United Arab Emirates’ national tree, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign. He remarked, “It is a historic and cultural symbol of stability and peace in the United Arab Emirates. The Ghaf tree at the Consulate will also stand as an evergreen testament of India-United Arab Emirates friendship.” The gesture resonated with attendees as a symbol of the deepening bond between the two nations.
The inauguration and related engagements reflect ongoing efforts to bolster educational and cultural ties between India and the United Arab Emirates, with both sides committed to expanding collaboration in higher education and innovation.
– global bihari bureau
