IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus launches two-year Executive MBA

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has launched a two-year Executive MBA programme at its Dubai campus, expanding its academic offerings for working professionals in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

The programme is designed for experienced professionals who want to develop leadership and strategic management capabilities while continuing in their careers. It will be delivered across six terms through a combination of weekend in-person classes at the Dubai campus and other academic components.

Programme to combine Dubai classes with Ahmedabad residency

As part of the programme, participants will undertake a seven-day residency at IIMA's Ahmedabad campus and an international immersion.

Students will also complete a faculty-supervised executive capstone project addressing real-world business challenges. The curriculum will cover cross-functional decision-making, enterprise leadership and the use of technology and artificial intelligence in business.

IIMA said the programme is intended for professionals who need to develop broader strategic and leadership capabilities without taking a break from their careers.

Six years of work experience required

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

The programme requires candidates to have at least six years of full-time professional experience, including at least three years in a managerial or leadership role. Applicants can submit scores from the IIMA Admission Test, GMAT, Executive Assessment or GRE as part of the admission process.

Applications for the programme are currently open, according to the institute's admission portal.

Third academic offering from IIMA Dubai

The Executive MBA is the third programme offered through IIMA's Dubai campus. The campus currently lists a one-year MBA and the new Executive MBA among its academic offerings, with executive education programmes also planned.

IIMA's Dubai campus was established in Dubai International Academic City and began operations with a one-year MBA programme. Its first cohort had 35 students when the campus was inaugurated in September 2025.

The new Executive MBA expands the Dubai campus's offerings to experienced professionals and is aimed particularly at professionals working across India and Gulf markets.

The programme is being supported by education company Emeritus for outreach and awareness, while academic delivery and faculty operations are led by IIMA's Dubai campus.