IIM Ahmedabad to Launch Dubai Campus with One-Year MBA for Working Professionals

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:

1. Induction – Transition into IIMA’s academic model and peer environment

2. Building Blocks – Fundamentals of management and analytical thinking

3. Business Acumen – Real-world cases and cross-functional insights

4. Leadership Skills – Strategic thinking in global economic contexts

5. Strategic Decision-Making – Tools to handle risk, complexity, and long-term planning

6. 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.