India-UAE Partnership & AI: Pan IIM Alumni Forum Dubai

The Pan IIM Alumni Network – Middle East Chapter hosted a landmark event titled Human Capital in the Age of AI Economy, drawing together influential figures from diplomacy, business, and academia. This significant forum served as a platform for forward-thinking dialogue on the intersection of artificial intelligence, human talent, and the future of education and innovation. The event underscored how technology is redefining leadership and workforce capabilities in an increasingly digital global economy.

A Network of Influence and Vision

With representation from over 2,000 alumni of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management, the Pan IIM Alumni Network stands as a powerful collective of leaders spanning corporate, entrepreneurial, public, and nonprofit sectors. The Middle East Chapter’s event was supported by Emirates NBD and the IIMA Endowment Fund, reinforcing the shared commitment of both institutional and corporate partners to fostering dialogue on the future of talent and leadership.

Engaging Dialogues on the Future of Talent and Innovation

Chhavi Moodgal, the founding CEO of the IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund, skillfully moderated the event, guiding three thought-provoking panel sessions. Each discussion focused on themes vital to the future of work and education, particularly within the expanding India-UAE corridor. The panels explored how the new AI economy is challenging traditional models of management, emphasizing agility, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Leadership Perspectives on the India-UAE Strategic Alliance

Opening addresses by Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, and H.E. Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the robust and growing strategic partnership between the two nations. Their speeches underscored the centrality of human capital development in sustaining and strengthening bilateral relations, especially in the context of technological progress and global competitiveness.

Ambassador Sudhir remarked, “The inauguration of IIM Ahmedabad’s first international campus in Dubai is a landmark moment that exemplifies the deep and enduring partnership between India and the UAE. This initiative not only strengthens educational ties but also fosters innovation and talent development across our two nations. I am confident that IIMA’s presence here will inspire a new generation of leaders who will contribute significantly to the region’s economic and social progress.”

Echoing this sentiment, Hadi Badri remarked, “Dubai’s vision to become a global hub for talent and innovation aligns perfectly with IIM Ahmedabad’s legacy of academic excellence and leadership development. The establishment of IIMA’s Dubai campus is a testament to the strong bilateral collaboration between Dubai and India. We look forward to supporting this partnership as it nurtures future-ready professionals who will drive sustainable growth in the UAE and beyond.”

AI, Work, and the Changing Role of Leadership

The second panel focused on the dramatic shifts being brought about by artificial intelligence across workplaces and industries. Discussions centered on how digital transformation is altering the fabric of organizations—from business models to workforce structures. Panelists stressed the necessity for continuous learning and upskilling to stay relevant in an AI-first economy. Equally emphasized was the evolving nature of leadership, which now demands adaptability, empathy, and a forward-looking mindset.

Insights from Sport and Academia: A Personal Reflection

Renowned commentator and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus Harsha Bhogle closed the event with a powerful personal narrative. Reflecting on his journey from management education to cricket broadcasting, he shared how the resilience and problem-solving mindset honed at IIM Ahmedabad shaped his career. He offered memorable lessons from the world of sports that resonate in business, finishing with a dynamic rapid-fire Q&A session. His parting message encouraged alumni to contribute meaningfully to the institutions that laid the foundations of their success.

Dubai to Host IIM Ahmedabad’s First Global Campus

Coinciding with the forum was the announcement of IIM Ahmedabad’s upcoming international campus, set to open in Dubai in September 2025. This groundbreaking move marks the first time an Indian Institute of Management will establish a presence overseas. The campus will launch with a one-year, full-time MBA program designed for global professionals and innovators, and will initially be based in Dubai International Academic City before transitioning to a dedicated facility by 2029.

Strategic Expansion Aligned with Shared Futures

Dubai’s selection as the location for IIM Ahmedabad’s global expansion is no coincidence. The city’s dynamic business environment, significant Indian community, and alignment with both India’s National Education Policy 2020 and Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 make it a compelling hub for leadership and talent development. The new campus is expected to become a vital bridge for educational and economic collaboration, accelerating innovation and deepening India-UAE ties in the decades ahead.