The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) held its 60th Convocation ceremony at the famous Louis Kahn Plaza. At the event, Professor Bharat Bhasker, the director of the institute, shared that they will open their first international campus in Dubai. The first course there will start in September 2025, making IIM Ahmedabad the first IIM to do this.
IIM Dubai Campus & Fee Structure
IIM Ahmedabad Expands Globally: First International Campus to Open in Dubai
IIMA’s Dubai campus is expected to offer top-tier management education, bringing its globally recognized MBA programs to the Middle East. The expected fee structure for the IIM Dubai MBA program is likely to be higher than its Indian counterpart, given the premium infrastructure and international exposure. While the official fee announcement is awaited, estimates suggest that it could range between INR 35-50 lakhs for a full-time MBA program.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
IIM Ahmedabad is expected to provide financial aid and scholarships to meritorious students. The institute has a strong history of offering need-based and merit-based scholarships to ensure access to quality education, irrespective of financial backgrounds. Students enrolling in IIM Dubai may also have access to loan facilities and corporate sponsorships.
Career Opportunities & MBA Salaries in Dubai
Dubai, being a global business hub, offers excellent career prospects for IIM graduates. Companies across sectors such as finance, consulting, technology, and real estate actively recruit MBA talent from top institutions like IIM. The average MBA salary in Dubai varies depending on the industry and experience, but fresh IIM graduates can expect starting packages ranging from INR 30-50 lakhs per annum in high-demand sectors. Senior professionals with an IIM degree can command salaries above INR 1 crore per annum in leadership roles.
Top Recruiters for IIM Graduates in Dubai
Many multinational companies operating in Dubai, including McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, Amazon, Microsoft, and investment banks, regularly seek top business school graduates. The presence of IIMA in Dubai is expected to further strengthen the job prospects of its graduates. Other key industries hiring IIM graduates in Dubai include real estate, fintech, supply chain management, and healthcare management.
Entrepreneurship and Startups in Dubai
Dubai is known for its business-friendly environment, making it an ideal location for aspiring entrepreneurs. IIM Ahmedabad’s Mavericks Fellowship Programme, designed for students who want to start their ventures, could offer support to graduates looking to establish businesses in Dubai’s startup ecosystem.
Convocation Highlights
The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. S Somanath, a distinguished professor and former Chairman of ISRO. Other important guests included Mr. Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, and Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA. Faculty members, board members, and students were also present at the event.
The convocation procession was led by Professor Diptesh Ghosh, Dean (Programmes), along with Professor Sandip Chakrabarti, Chairperson of the Doctoral Programme in Management. They were followed by other programme heads, faculty members, and students. The event began with Mr. Patel officially declaring the convocation open.
A total of 630 students received their degrees, including:
- 22 PhD scholars
- 405 MBA-PGP students
- 45 MBA-FABM students
- 158 MBA-PGPX students
Their family members and alumni attended the event to celebrate their achievements. Five students received gold medals for academic excellence:
- Abhi Bansal (MBA-PGP)
- Ishaan Jain (MBA-PGP)
- Aanchal Chadha (MBA-PGP)
- Yogesh Kumar R (MBA-FABM)
- Aashruth Rangarajan (MBA-PGPX)
Key Messages from Leaders
Pankaj Patel’s Address: Adaptability in Business
Mr. Patel advised the students to stay adaptable in the fast-changing business world. He emphasized that with new technology and data-driven decision-making, businesses need professionals who are always learning. He encouraged the graduates to be leaders who drive positive change and contribute to India’s growth.
Lessons from ISRO Chief Guest S Somanath
Dr. S Somanath inspired the students by highlighting key qualities needed for success. He spoke about:
- Passion
- Commitment
- Excellence
- Determination
- Focus
- Continuous learning
- Humility
- Honesty
- Integrity
He advised students to read widely, work in teams, seek mentors, take risks, and always aim for innovation. He shared that India is on the brink of a scientific and technological revolution, and graduates should use their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
“Innovation does not happen in isolation. It requires a culture of curiosity, the strength to face failure, and an insatiable hunger for answers. At ISRO, we faced numerous challenges—whether it was the early struggles of launching our first satellite, Aryabhata, or the perseverance required for Chandrayaan-3 to make India the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole. But each failure only strengthened our resolve to try again, find better solutions, and reach greater heights,” he said.
Director’s Address: Integrity & Innovation
Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, shared key achievements of the institute over the past year. He also spoke about the creation of the ‘Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning,’ supported by IIMA alumnus Mr. Madan Mohanka.
Professor Bhasker encouraged the graduates to lead with integrity and always strive for excellence. He reminded them that their degree is just the beginning and that challenges will come, but they must innovate and make a meaningful impact. The event was made even more special by the presence of some alumni from the first batch of IIMA, who graduated in 1966.
IIMA’s Commitment to Financial Inclusivity
Professor Bhasker emphasized that education can be a significant financial burden and reaffirmed IIMA’s commitment to increasing financial aid. This year:
- 68 students received full tuition waivers
- 128 students received partial tuition waivers
The director assured that IIMA would continue expanding its financial support initiatives, ensuring that talented students, irrespective of financial backgrounds, could access world-class education.
The Future of Business Education
“With rapid technological advancements and data-driven decision-making, businesses are constantly evolving. There is an increased demand for business professionals who can keep up with the latest trends. Your ability to adapt, embrace change, and learn new skills will be your greatest strength and will set you apart in the crowd,” said Pankaj Patel, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, IIMA.
Conclusion
IIMA’s international expansion, commitment to excellence, and focus on financial inclusivity position it as a global leader in business education. With the Dubai campus set to launch in 2025, IIMA is poised to extend its legacy beyond India, empowering future business leaders worldwide.
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