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.
This Story also Contains
- 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)
On Question asked by student community
Yes, if you appear for the CBSE improvement exam as a private candidate and score higher marks, then the latest marksheet will be considered as your valid Class 12th result. For IIM A, B, C and other top IIMs, they look at the final updated marksheet that you present at the time of admission.
So, if you improve your percentage from 70% to 90%, then definitely the improved score will be counted in your profile evaluation. Just make sure you give the exam through the official CBSE improvement route and keep the valid documents.
Hey Ramesh! Looking at your profile—10th: 92%, 12th: 93%, Master’s CGPA: 8.3, no work experience, SC category—you have a solid academic record. For top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, SC category candidates usually need a CAT percentile of around 92–94 to have a realistic chance at admission. Other IIMs like Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode may require slightly higher percentiles, around 94–96. For FMS Delhi, SC candidates typically need 95+ percentile.
Remember, these percentiles are approximate and can vary slightly each year depending on the competition and number of seats. Sectional cut-offs also matter, so make sure to perform well in all sections of CAT. Since you have no work experience, your academic record will carry more weight, which is in your favor. My suggestion is to aim for 95+ percentile to keep your options open across IIMs and FMS. Also, consider applying to other top MBA colleges alongside, to maximize your chances. With focused preparation, your profile is competitive for SC category seats.
Hi Lokendra
As you are from SC category and also a PWD candidate, your chances of getting a call from IIM A,B,C will be very good at 60 - 65 percentile. The official minimum percentile required for your category (cutoff) is 50 percentile but the safe percentile for getting a call from IIM ABC is 65 percentile. The safe percentile to guarantee your admission would be 80 percentile.
To know more about CAT: CAT by CAREERS360
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
Hello,
Depending on the IIM, SC or PWD candidates minimal percentile for an IIM call typically falls between 50 and 70. Generally speaking, a percentile score of 80 or more is seen as a safe bet for admission assurance. However, various IIMs and even different years for the same IIM may have varying cut offs and admission chances.
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.