In a landmark move reflecting India’s growing emphasis on internationalization in higher education, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has announced the opening of its first overseas campus in Dubai. The expansion, set to commence operations by the end of 2025, marks a significant step in strengthening India’s academic and trade relations with the Gulf region.
The new campus will be established in collaboration with the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a strategic educational hub in the United Arab Emirates. The IIFT Dubai campus will offer flagship programs such as the MBA in International Business, executive education modules, and specialized diploma courses in global trade, finance, and supply chain management. The aim is to attract not only Indian students based in the UAE but also global learners from across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Keywords: IIFT Dubai campus, Indian education abroad, global trade education, higher education UAE, MBA International Business
According to Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director of IIFT, the move aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the internationalization of Indian higher education institutions. “Opening a campus in Dubai is a strategic decision to tap into the growing demand for quality education in international trade and business management in the Gulf. Dubai serves as a global trade and logistics hub, making it an ideal location for IIFT’s overseas expansion,” he said during the official announcement in New Delhi.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which oversees IIFT, has supported this initiative as part of the larger vision to enhance India’s global presence in the education sector. The Dubai campus will also serve as a platform for India-UAE academic collaborations, faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and executive development programs tailored for professionals in international commerce and logistics.
In addition to academic offerings, the IIFT Dubai campus is expected to serve as a regional knowledge hub supporting India’s trade diplomacy and business relations in West Asia. Experts believe the campus could also boost India’s soft power by showcasing the country’s educational excellence on a global platform.
The move follows a growing trend among top Indian institutions exploring overseas expansions. Recently, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have announced similar plans. The establishment of IIFT’s Dubai campus is poised to be a pioneer in this trend, especially in the field of international trade education.
Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, commented, “IIFT’s presence in Dubai will help groom a new generation of trade professionals who understand the nuances of global commerce. This move will also foster greater industry-academia collaboration in the region.”
The first academic session at the Dubai campus is expected to begin in September 2025, with admissions set to open early next year. The courses will follow IIFT’s rigorous academic standards, while being tailored to regional business dynamics.
Conclusion
The opening of IIFT’s first overseas campus in Dubai underscores India’s ambition to become a global leader in higher education. By leveraging Dubai’s strategic location and robust infrastructure, IIFT is poised to provide world-class education in international trade and business, bridging academic excellence with real-world commerce in the heart of one of the world’s busiest trade corridors.
