IIM-Ahmedabad to Open its First Overseas Extension Center in Dubai

The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of the leading business schools of India, will soon set up its first Extension Center in Dubai. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between IIMA and BRS Ventures of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The center will start its operations in June 2018.

“The UAE Extension Center will begin with executive education programs that are relevant to the region and will include both open learning and customized training programs. With the synergy, this partnership is expected to benefit both organizations, besides benefiting the UAE regional business and governance,” BRS Ventures said in a statement.

The MoU was signed at the World Government Summit 2018 in UAE. According to the agreement, IIMA will provide academic and training expertise while BRS Ventures will facilitate the required support, including infrastructure, industry links and logistics.

Depending on the response and other factors, IIMA-BRS Ventures will consider rolling out other programs in UAE of longer duration in a phased manner. These programs will be relevant globally and will ensure that the groups that are trained are not restricted to any region.

“For an institute with global footprint of alumni, it is important to have physical presence beyond the national borders. UAE has been the gateway and hub for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s business connect with the world,” IIMA director Errol D’Souza said, Khaleej Times reported.

D’Souza added that the partnership with BRS Ventures, given their distinguished service to UAE as well as deep understanding of the region and its priorities, will help IIMA in implementing the planned activities and programs successfully.

The programs will be offered in a two-phase process, beginning with executive education and public policy programs. The long-duration programs will be offered once IIMA creates its foothold in the region and is given good feedback, the report added.

“The IIMA Extension Center will immediately benefit UAE and MENA regions’ economies, public policies, executive skills and industry overall,” said BR Shetty, the chairman of BRS Ventures. He added that when longer duration programs are launched, the graduating students will be entitled for preferred employment at BRS Ventures’ diversified businesses. “They will always remain of great interest to other government and non-government businesses in UAE and internationally,” said Shetty.

Dubai is also set to have a Manipal Medical College, after an agreement to the effect was signed by BRS Ventures and Manipal Global Education Services.