IIM Ahmedabad to Launch Dubai Campus with One-Year MBA for Working Professionals
One of India's leading B-schools, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), is about to open its first international campus in Dubai, furthering its global reach. IIM Ahmedabad has partnered with the United Arab Emirates government to construct the new campus at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a significant hub for higher education in the Middle East.
- IIM Ahmedabad Programme Overview
- IIM Ahmedabad Curriculum Structure and Learning Phases
- IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria and Application Process
- IIM Ahmedabad Admission Timelines
- IIM Ahmedabad Programme Fee and Scholarship Opportunities
- Career Advancement with Global Industry Integration
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The initiative intends to foster international academic collaboration in addition to championing the UAE's vision for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. The flagship one-year full-time MBA of IIM Ahmedabad will hold an offer at its Dubai campus. The programme is specifically designed for working professionals and future business leaders in the MENA and other regions.
IIM Ahmedabad Programme Overview
The One-Year MBA programme at IIMA Dubai is designed to meet the upskilling needs of global professionals. The programme offers an intensive curriculum that blends core management principles with specialised electives and international exposure.
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 12 months (5 terms)
Location: Dubai International Academic City
Mode: Full-time, on-campus
The programme equips professionals with critical business insights to tackle global market challenges and prepare for senior and C-suite leadership roles, aligning with the UAE’s vision for innovation and economic growth. Also, check about other IIM Ahmedabad courses.
IIM Ahmedabad Curriculum Structure and Learning Phases
The curriculum is structured across six sequential phases:
Induction – Transition into IIMA’s academic model and peer environment
Building Blocks – Fundamentals of management and analytical thinking
Business Acumen – Real-world cases and cross-functional insights
Leadership Skills – Strategic thinking in global economic contexts
Strategic Decision-Making – Tools to handle risk, complexity, and long-term planning
Top Management Perspective – Training for visionary leadership roles
In the remaining terms, participants choose from electives in areas such as:
Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Operations, HRM, Information Systems
Under the direction of IIMA faculty, they might also work on an Individual Research Project (IRP) that results in case studies, industry notes, or business plans.
IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria and Application Process
The one-year MBA programme at IIM Ahmedabad in Dubai is intended for experienced professionals looking to take their leadership journeys to the next level. To qualify as an applicant:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised institution.
A minimum of four years of full-time work experience after completion of graduation.
Candidates must be at least 25 years old as of August 31, 2025.
A valid GMAT or GRE result obtained in the previous five years. In exceptional cases, scores from the GMAT Executive Assessment and Focus Edition may be used for admission.
The admission process for the One-Year MBA programme in Dubai involves a two-step admissions process. Candidates are first shortlisted based on their GMAT/GRE scores, leadership profile, and overall application. After being shortlisted for IIM Ahmedabad admissions, candidates will have a deadline to submit essays on particular subjects. In the final stage, they will participate in a personal interview with a panel of IIM Ahmedabad faculty members, who will assess their professional experience, career progression, academic readiness, leadership potential, and overall fit for the programme.
IIM Ahmedabad Admission Timelines
Evaluation windows for the September 2025 intake are listed below:
IIM Ahmedabad Programme Fee and Scholarship Opportunities
Total Fee: USD 80,000
(Includes tuition, materials, and international immersion. Travel, stay, and accommodation are additional.)Housing Options: Available through partner facilities
Financing: Loan options to be announced
Scholarships: Limited and merit-based; preference for diverse and talented profiles
Career Advancement with Global Industry Integration
IIM Ahmedabad's One-Year MBA, in Dubai is a 1-year programme for accelerated career growth through the combination of rigorous academic learning and real "industry engagement". Participants benefit from a structured and student-centric career support system that includes resume-building workshops, personalised career coaching, speaker sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The programme is globally recognised for enabling mid-to-senior level professionals to pivot into strategic roles that match their experience and aspirations.
In addition to these levels of support, IIMA's newly launched international campus in Dubai connects participants more directly with the fast-moving business opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Situated in the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the campus provides access to multinationals, start-up incubation, and a regional innovation ecosystem. The new campus enhances IIMA's global presence and commitment to developing future-ready leaders with the skills to thrive in cross-border and multifunctional contexts.
In the programme's design we leverage academic rigor, practical experience, and global connections to enable leaders to achieve impact, whether taking on a global leadership role, starting a new venture, or advancing their current organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IIM Ahmedabad one-year MBA in Dubai is a full-time programme designed for working professionals with a minimum of four years of experience after completion of graduation.
One-Year MBA programme at IIM Ahmedabad Dubai will start in September 2025 in Full-time mode at Dubai International Academic City.
Students with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised institution and having a minimum of four years of full-time work experience after completion of graduation are eligible for IIMA Dubai One-Year MBA. Additionally, A valid GMAT or GRE scores are also required.
The admission process for the one-year MBA programme at IIM Ahmedabad Dubai involves: Online application with academic and work credentials; Submission of GMAT/GRE scores; Shortlisting based on profile; Submission of essays and Personal interview with IIMA faculty.
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Questions related to IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)
Hello Aspirant,
- Minimum Percentile for IIM A/B: While there isn't a specific percentile to guarantee you admission to IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore, a 99+ percentile CAT score is typically deemed competitive at these schools in particular for GEM candidates. The percentile is only one consideration alongside your academic history, experience and other accomplishments, so the required percentile is variable.
- Is it worth trying without work experience - It is possible for you to get into IIMs with no work experience; however, preferably in particular for IIM A/B, candidates typically have gained work experience along with 2+ other years in the workplace when they apply for an MBA. These colleges want candidates to demonstrate real-world experiences where they were impactful, have taken on leadership roles etc. In other words, if your goal is Management Consulting, the experience in your current job offer will provide you with solid practical experience and credibility to apply later.
- Should wait or go ahead with job offer - If Management Consulting is your goal, the real value of the job offer is through the work experience. Over the long term, securing work experience through the job offer is valuable and beneficial to your profile. IIMs really appreciate a mix of academic performance, experience in the workforce and individuals who demonstrate past leadership potential to make the jump into an MBA. Besides, if you take the job, it also gives you time to stretch your mind to determine if management consulting is really what you want to do with your life before you apply for an MBA.
Hello,
The specific company that offered a Rs. 1.46 crore package in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector during IIM Ahmedabad's placements has not been publicly disclosed. However, notable points include:
- The highest package of Rs. 1.46 crore in the BFSI sector at IIM Ahmedabad 2023 placements remains undisclosed.
- Prominent BFSI recruiters included Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and JP Morgan.
- BFSI sector's average package was Rs. 41.33 lakh per annum, with a median of Rs. 35.05 lakh per annum.
- The institute achieved a 100% placement rate, with Rs. 1.46 crore as the highest domestic package overall.
- Consulting emerged as the top sector, followed by BFSI, with leading companies like McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group actively recruiting.
Hope it helps !
Hello Priyanshu,
During the 2023 final placements at IIM Ahmedabad , the highest salary package offered was Rs.1.46 crore per annum, marking a significant achievement for the institute's placement process. This package was offered in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector, which is known for offering lucrative compensation to top-performing graduates.
The IIMA placement process saw a diverse range of companies from various sectors such as Consulting, Technology, FMCG, and BFSI hiring students for roles in management, consulting, and strategic positions. However, the exact company offering the Rs.1.46 crore package has not been disclosed, which is typically kept confidential to maintain the privacy of both the company and the candidate.
IIMA's reputation as one of India's top business schools and the extensive placement support it provides are reflected in the competitive salary offers that graduates receive. Additionally,
IIMA
achieved 100% placement for its students with a mix of roles offered by both domestic and international firms.|
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hello,
You are unlikely to get into IIM Ahmedabad's PGPX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives) with only 2 years of work experience. Key points:
- Minimum Requirement: IIM Ahmedabad requires a minimum of 4 years of full-time work experience for PGPX as of the start date of the program.
- Average Experience: Most candidates admitted have 8-10 years of work experience.
- Program Focus: PGPX is designed for mid-career professionals with substantial managerial or leadership exposure.
- Alternative Programs: Consider IIM’s PGP or Early Career programs tailored for candidates with 2-3 years of experience.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
Kusum, it's great that you're determined to pursue your dream of an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad despite financial challenges. Here's a strategy for self-study:
- Understand the Exam Structure : Familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, which includes sections on Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning.
- Create a Study Plan : Allocate specific hours each day for each section, focusing on weak areas. Break it into manageable chunks.
- Use Free Resources : There are plenty of free online resources that include YouTube channels, CAT preparation websites, and apps for practice questions with video tutorials. Some popular ones are Unacademy, BYJU's, and Career Launcher.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly : Use mock tests regularly to assess progress and adjust study plans accordingly.
- Focus on Concepts : Strong foundations in math, logic, and English. Regular practice with books like "Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" and "Word Power Made Easy" for vocabulary.
Consistency and discipline are the keys! Stay motivated, and you can achieve your goal.