Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and BRS Ventures of UAE on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish IIM-A’s first Extension Centre in Dubai. The UAE Extension Centre will begin with Executive Education Programmes relevant to the region and will include both open learning and customised training programmes.
With the synergy, this partnership is expected to benefit both organisations, besides benefiting the UAE’s regional businesses and governance. The MOU was signed at the World Government Summit 2018, an annual event held in Dubai that brings together leaders in government for a global dialogue about governmental process and policies with a focus on the issues of futurism, technology and innovation.
Infrastructure support
IIM-A will provide the academic and training expertise while BRS Ventures will facilitate the required support including infrastructure, industry links and logistics. IIM-A’s parent campus in Ahmedabad, established through active partnership with Harvard Business School almost six decades back, started with Executive Education programmes using the case study method and cases relevant to business.
These executive education programmes have consistently grown and remain much in demand across industries and corporates. In a phased manner, depending on response and other factors, IIM-A-BRS Ventures will consider rolling out other programmes of longer duration. These programmes will be globally relevant to ensure that the cohort being trained is not restricted to any region and the learning environment is in an international cultural setting.
Global footprint
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Errol D’Souza, Director of IIM-A said: “For an institute with global footprint of alumni, it is important to have a physical presence beyond the national borders. The UAE has been the gateway and hub for the MENA region’s business connect with the world. We are very happy to partner with BRS Ventures, given their distinguished service to the UAE as well as deep understanding of the region and its priorities. This will help IIM-A in implementing the planned activities and programmes successfully.”
Dr BR Shetty, Chairman, BRS Ventures said: “Education has always been close to my heart. It is my honour to bring IIM-A, the jewel of India, to the UAE. The IIM-A Extension Centre will immediately benefit the UAE and MENA regions’ economies, public policies, executive skills and industry overall. Later, when longer duration programmes are launched, the graduating students will be entitled to preferred employment at our own diversified businesses, while they will always remain of great interest to other government and non-government businesses in the UAE and internationally”.
IIMA and BRS Ventures believe that the IIMA Centre will be a major landmark to represent mutually beneficial collaboration between India and the United Arab Emirates.