The decision was first announced during IIM-A’s 60th convocation. Director Professor Bharat Bhasker said the institute remains committed to its mission of “transformative learning,” and the Dubai campus will extend this approach to a wider audience.

The campus will begin operations at Dubai International Academic City. Initially, it will offer a one-year MBA program for working professionals and entrepreneurs, along with executive education courses. The programs will focus on artificial intelligence, innovation, and regional business practices, aiming to serve students across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.

An MoU signed with UAE authorities in April 2025 cleared the way for the project. IIM-A plans to shift from the initial setup to a permanent purpose-built facility by 2029.

IIM-A is the first among India’s leading management schools to expand abroad, though engineering institutes have already made similar moves. IIT Madras opened a campus in Zanzibar in 2023, IIT Delhi launched one in Abu Dhabi in 2024, and IIT Bombay is preparing to open in Japan with research-focused programs.