India-UAE Strategic Collaboration and AI Innovation Take Spotlight at Pan IIM Alumni Forum in Dubai
The Pan IIM Alumni Network – Middle East Chapter hosted its landmark forum, Human Capital in the Age of AI Economy, in Dubai, drawing prominent figures from government, business, and academia. The event served as a vital platform to explore how artificial intelligence and India-UAE cooperation are reshaping the landscape of talent, innovation, and management education.
A central highlight of the forum was the announcement of the first overseas campus by any Indian Institute of Management (IIM), as IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) prepares to launch its international campus in Dubai this September. The initiative marks a significant step in expanding world-class management education to the Middle East and aligns with both the UAE’s and India’s long-term strategic visions.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, and H.E. Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), delivered the opening keynote addresses. Ambassador Sudhir emphasized that the establishment of IIMA’s Dubai campus is a testament to the enduring and deepening partnership between the two nations, highlighting its potential to foster innovation and talent development. Hadi Badri echoed this sentiment, noting that the campus aligns with Dubai’s ambitions to be a global hub for innovation and talent under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
The forum, co-sponsored by Emirates NBD and the IIMA Endowment Fund, included three focused panel discussions moderated by Chhavi Moodgal, Founding CEO of the IIMA Endowment Fund. One of the key sessions, titled The Future of Work, addressed how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are impacting workforce strategies, business models, and organizational priorities. Emphasis was placed on upskilling and continuous learning to keep pace with the evolving job market and ensure long-term competitiveness in an AI-driven economy.
The event concluded with a compelling talk by renowned cricket commentator and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus Harsha Bhogle. Reflecting on his personal and professional journey, Bhogle shared how the values and training from IIMA shaped his resilience and success. Drawing parallels between sports and business, he underscored the importance of leadership, adaptability, and giving back to one’s alma mater.
With the launch of the IIMA Dubai campus set for September 2025, the institution will initially offer a one-year, full-time MBA program designed for international professionals and entrepreneurs. The program will begin at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and is scheduled to move to a dedicated permanent facility by 2029.
This initiative is seen as a strategic move to enhance bilateral educational and economic ties, capitalizing on Dubai’s dynamic business environment, its large Indian expatriate population, and mutual goals for technological innovation under India’s National Education Policy 2020 and the UAE’s development vision.
