Is IIM-Ahmedabad's Dubai Campus Set to Transform India's Educational Influence?

Ahmedabad, July 27 (NationPress) The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), recognized as one of India's elite business schools, is gearing up to unveil its inaugural international campus in Dubai this September.

This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by IIM-Ahmedabad Director Bharat Bhasker in 2023, will kick off with a one-year MBA program and introduce two essential research centers: one focusing on case study development and the other on start-up incubation.

In a discussion with IANS at IIM-A, Bhasker expressed great satisfaction with the rapid progression of this project.

"The Dubai campus is a vision I had in 2023, and it’s gratifying to witness its realization. I plan to visit the campus next week," he noted. "We've designed the curriculum through a regional perspective, incorporating case studies and business practices pertinent to the Middle East and Africa."

This initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government in April this year.

The agreement, which took place in Mumbai, officially paves the way for the Dubai campus within the Dubai International Academic City, positioning IIM-A as the first management institute in India to establish an overseas campus.

Bhasker perceives this development as strategically significant, not just for the institute but for India at large.

"As Western nations increasingly restrict access to international students, India must capitalize on this moment. Education represents India’s most formidable soft power, and this campus serves as a strategic asset in fostering lasting influence," he remarked.

"Just as China utilizes its manufacturing and trade to enhance global influence, India should harness its strengths in quality education and its English-speaking workforce. If India aims to lead the Global South, this approach is essential," he added.

The new campus seeks to draw a diverse group of students from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, North Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The initial cohort is expected to include around 40 to 50 students, with a long-term vision to expand up to a 900-student capacity in the next decade.

According to Bhasker, Dubai was a logical selection.

"We have been providing executive education in this region for years. The trust and familiarity we've established made this a sensible progression," he explained.

The launch occurs amidst a global decline in MBA program applications.

Data reveals a 5 percent drop in graduate business school applications worldwide in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of decline.

Despite this, Bhasker remains hopeful about India's future. "While the global trends may be negative in the US or Europe, India’s scenario is different. We possess a youthful population and a rapidly expanding economy, now the third largest globally. As opportunities increase, so does the need for skilled managers. This is where institutions like IIM-A come in," he emphasized.

When asked about the qualities of a good manager today, Bhasker articulated clearly: "While commitment and vision are vital, the most crucial trait is empathy. Business often gets reduced to profit and loss, but empathy can take you a long way."

Looking forward, Bhasker revealed an exciting development for the IIM-A campus: the inception of a School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

"The traditional methods of teaching management are no longer sufficient. Today, AI, technology, and science are integral to leadership and decision-making. The management curriculum and the approach of educational institutions need to evolve," he stated.

"Being proactive is crucial," he added.

The Dubai campus represents more than just an international expansion; it is a forward-thinking initiative grounded in regional relevance, educational diplomacy, and a redefined concept of management education for the 21st century.