Ahmedabad, October 8, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) has introduced a two-year Executive MBA programme at its Dubai campus, targeting senior professionals working across India and the Gulf region who seek to enhance their global leadership skills without leaving their current roles.
This new Executive MBA is the third programme offered at IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus, furthering the institute’s expansion in the UAE and its commitment to developing leadership talent for the region’s evolving business landscape. The programme is designed to address the increasing need for AI-integrated leadership, cross-functional judgment, and enterprise-wide perspective as businesses in the India-Gulf corridor shift towards AI-led operations.
AI-integrated curriculum and global exposure
The Executive MBA spans six terms and features in-person weekend classes in Dubai, a seven-day immersive residency at IIM Ahmedabad’s main campus, and an international immersion. Participants will also complete a faculty-supervised Executive Capstone Project. The curriculum is structured to place participants in real-world decision-making scenarios, aiming to develop strategic depth and adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment.
Graduates of the programme will join IIM Ahmedabad’s alumni network, which has active association chapters in the UAE, India, and other international locations. The programme is supported by global education company Emeritus for outreach, while academic delivery and faculty operations are managed by IIM Ahmedabad Dubai Campus.
Leadership requirements for an AI-first economy
According to the World Economic Forum, 41% of core skills for UAE workers are expected to change by 2030. IIM Ahmedabad’s new offering aims to equip leaders with AI fluency and the ability to make technology-driven decisions across interconnected markets. The institute is ranked 23rd globally, first in Asia, and first in India for Executive Education in the Financial Times Executive Education Open Rankings 2026.
Prof Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad, said the programme is tailored for professionals who must lead with strategic depth and a global outlook, but cannot step away from their current responsibilities. “We are proud to expand our Dubai Campus portfolio, recognising how economically intertwined India and the Gulf are as markets, and how professionals who operate across both understand what it means to lead with a truly global perspective,” he said.
Admissions criteria and ongoing programmes
Applicants must have at least six years of post-graduation experience, including three years in a managerial or leadership role, and are required to submit scores from the IIMA Admission Test, GMAT Focus, Executive Assessment, or GRE. Admissions will follow a multi-stage selection process. The One-Year MBA and General Management Programme will continue to run at the Dubai campus alongside the new Executive MBA.
IIM Ahmedabad, established in 1961, became the first Indian Institute of Management to open an international campus with the launch of its Dubai branch in 2025. The institute has over 47,000 alumni and maintains partnerships with more than 80 international institutions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release provided by the concerned organisation and has been edited for style and clarity with the assistance of AI tools. BusinessFortnight does not verify, endorse, or take responsibility for the claims, figures, or statements made in the original release.
