In a significant development, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the second Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus abroad in Abu Dhabi. The agreement was finalized during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE capital, where he was joined by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The MoU, signed between India’s education ministry, Abu Dhabi’s department of education and knowledge, and IIT-Delhi, paves the way for the establishment of the IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi. The initial focus will be on offering a master’s program in energy transition and sustainability, with plans to introduce bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs from September 2024. Additionally, research centers will be established in areas such as sustainable energy, climate studies, computing and data sciences.
The collaboration between India and the UAE in the field of education aligns with India’s foreign policy and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages Indian universities to establish campuses in other countries. This move aims to enhance educational excellence, promote innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and invest in human capital for long-term economic growth and sustainable development. Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, emphasizing its significance in India’s educational internationalization. He highlighted the role of education in fostering innovation and mutual prosperity, and expressed confidence in leveraging this collaboration for the betterment of both nations and the world.
The IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi will not only strengthen India-UAE ties but also serve as a testament to India’s expertise and innovation. It is expected to become a hub for academic and research excellence, attracting students and professionals from across the globe. The campus will collaborate with prominent institutions in Abu Dhabi, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Technology Innovation Institute, and Hub71, to foster complementary programs, cutting-edge research, and the advancement of the local startup ecosystem.
IIT-Delhi has already begun outreach programs for school students in the UAE and plans to offer short courses and executive programs for industry professionals. The institute aims to make a global impact through its education and research initiatives while embracing the challenge and opportunity presented by the Abu Dhabi campus. The establishment of the IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in the internationalization of India’s education sector. It not only strengthens educational ties between India and the UAE but also opens avenues for global collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.