
Should you pursue an Executive MBA in Europe in 2026?
Table of contents
- Should you pursue an Executive MBA in Europe in 2026?
- Introduction
- IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus: Details in a Snapshot
- IIM Ahmedabad Dubai courses
- IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus Eligibility
- IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus Fees
- IIM Ahmedabad Dubai typical Class profile
- IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus Placement Support
- So, is it worth starting your MBA or Master’s in IIM Ahmedabad, Dubai campus?
- Conclusion
- Success Stories
- What can we do for you?
Introduction
Have you ever wondered if you could secure the prestige of an IIM Ahmedabad degree while being at the heart of the world’s most dynamic business hub?
The launch of the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus has sent ripples through the global education sector. It isn't just a new location; it is a strategic bridge between India's rigorous academic heritage and the hyper-growth economy of the Middle East. But is it truly the same as the "OG" campus? In this honest review, we dive into the data, culture, and career ROI to see whether this is the right move for your professional journey.
IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus: Details in a Snapshot
The IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus primarily targets mid-career professionals looking for a pivot or an acceleration in their leadership trajectory. IIM A Dubai campus offers a 1 Year MBA, which is a residential 12month program meant for working professionals with at least 4 years of relevant professional experience. This is how the program generally looks-
|
Highlight |
Details |
|
Program |
1-Year Full-Time MBA |
|
Immersion |
2 Weeks at ESADE, Spain + 1 Week at IIM A India |
|
Average Work Experience |
7.5 Years |
|
Location |
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) |
Now you might ask, why would someone choose the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus? And the query is legit. First and foremnost don’t compare your master’s in IIM Ahmedabad Inida and Dubai campus.
Global Recognition: IIM Ahmedabad is the OG campus, highly reputed, and the more said, the more glory, whereas IIM A Dubai is the same thing, just a Dubai version. The academic rigour is the same as at IIM A, as the same professors visit and teach, so the quality match and persistence are maintained.
Holistic Curriculum: The programme offers a rigorous and immersive curriculum that blends core general management principles with specialised learning in high-impact areas such as strategy, digital transformation, finance, and leadership.
Learning Approach: The programme’s pedagogy bridges theory and practice through immersive case-based learning, simulations, and experiential projects. These interactive experiences challenge you to apply classroom concepts to real-world business challenges, fostering critical thinking, decision-making, and practical problem-solving skills.
If you are considering IIM A Dubai, you might ask: “Why not just apply to the India campus?” The answer lies in the unique "Global-Local" synergy. While the academic rigour is identical, with the same professors flying in to maintain the legendary IIM A standards, the context is entirely international.
IIM Ahmedabad Dubai courses
The IIM A Dubai curriculum is divided into intensive segments. It blends core management foundations with high-impact domains:
- Strategy
- Digital Transformation
- Finance
- Leadership & Organisational Behaviour
The IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus emphasises:
- Case-based pedagogy
- Simulations
- Experiential projects
- LIVE Projects with industry exposure
This ensures graduates are prepared to solve real business challenges.
Unlike the traditional PGP, this program includes a high-impact 2-week international immersion at ESADE, Spain, and a 1-week immersion at the India campus. This ensures you build a network that spans three major economic zones: Europe, the Middle East, and India. Plus, students benefit from weekly workshops with IIM A alumni, giving real executive-level insights.
IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus Eligibility
The entry barrier for IIM Ahmedabad in Dubai remains as high as its Indian counterpart.
Eligibility: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline makes you eligible.
Work experience: You will need a minimum of 4 years of full-time work experience. The current cohort averages 7.5 years.
Age Criteria: During our campus visit, we saw a diverse classroom with a significant group of candidates of varying ages. From 27'old candidates sharing a class with people having even 20 years of work experience! The sight was empowering! The eligibility states you need to be a minimum of 25 years old when joining the program.
Test Scores: GMAT and GRE expectations are on par with IIM A, India campus. You need a competitive score to make the cut.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs): You will need a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, preferably from a supervisor or someone who has worked with you or supervised you. The person who can testify to your leadership skills and credibility.
SOPs and Essays: You need to complete specific essay questions regarding career goals, why you chose IIM Ahmedabad Dubai, and your contribution to the community. A well-drafted SoP can really make or break your application! Check out these free CV and essay samples today!
To foster diversity, the institute offers a wide range of scholarships, specifically targeting female candidates and those from diverse professional backgrounds.
IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus Fees
This 12-month residential MBA programme costs about USD 80,000, which includes tuition fees, books, course material and use of other facilities, including library, network, and campus infrastructure. Tuition fees include the cost of the international immersion program, except for travel and lodging expenses. It does not include the cost of accommodation or other related expenses during the program. Housing facilities are arranged nearby for the students to ease their accommodation worries related to staying.
And Guess what? The IIM A Dubai campus also offers a myriad of scholarships. If you are a female student or have a diverse background, you might have the chance to receive a good amount of scholarship and finance your education there.
IIM Ahmedabad Dubai typical Class profile
Then who will get a chance at IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus, you ask?
Mirroring the excellence of the PGPX in India, this program is designed for professionals with 4+ years of experience. IIM A Dubai Executive One-Year MBA has specialised modules for senior leaders and entrepreneurs looking to upskill without pausing their careers. Students at IIM Ahmedabad in Dubai usually have:
|
Average Age |
30-32 |
|
Cohort size |
The inaugural cohort had 35 students |
|
Average Work experience |
7.5 years of professional experience |
|
*Minimum Work experience |
4 years post-graduation |
|
*Minimum GRE/GMAT score |
665+ in Focus Edition |
*These are speculative data based on candidate interaction, interviews, and data sources
IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus Placement Support
One major concern for students is whether the IIM A Dubai placement cell is as robust as the one in India. The short answer? Yes.
The placement support is handled at par with the IIM A India campus. You gain access to a massive networking base of over 44,000+ IIM Alumni. Moreover, the Dubai campus hosts once-a-week workshops with IIM A Alumni currently holding C-suite positions in the UAE, providing you with mentorship that money simply cannot buy.
So, is it worth starting your MBA or Master’s in IIM Ahmedabad, Dubai campus?
Choosing the right destination for your MBA or Master’s is often as significant as the institution itself. For years, the hallowed red-brick walls of Vastrapur have been the ultimate destination for business leaders. However, with the establishment of the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus, the game has changed.
If you are an experienced professional weighing your options, the question isn’t just about the brand; it’s about the strategic advantage. So, is it worth starting your journey at the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus? Let’s break down the data and the vision behind this global expansion.
So, is it worth it? Yes, but with a specific goal in mind. If your career trajectory is aimed at global markets, particularly the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus offers a unique launchpad. You gain the prestige of IIM A Dubai while being physically present in a city that serves as a nexus for global business.
Conclusion
If you are an aspiring professional with a global outlook, the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus is an excellent choice. Planning on applying for 2026? Need our help in drafting a compelling Statement of Purpose or a resume tailored for the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai application? Or need our help in the application process? Schedule a call with us and let’s give your dream its wings!













