SIU Inaugurates First International Campus in Dubai

In a significant development for educational collaboration between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Symbiosis International University (SIU) has inaugurated its first international campus in Dubai. This milestone reflects the growing ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi, particularly in the field of education. SIU, a well-respected private higher education institution based in Pune, India, is known for its strong emphasis on management studies and has consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country.

The Dubai campus, which officially opened its doors this week, will offer a variety of programs in management, technology, and media and communications. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. During the ceremony, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the potential for enhanced collaboration between scholars from both nations, stating, “I am sure that this campus will foster greater collaboration and research linkages between scholars of India and UAE, for mutual prosperity and global good.”

Jaishankar further emphasized that the opening of the campus is not merely an administrative achievement but a celebration of the educational partnership between India and the UAE. He highlighted the impact of Indian education in the UAE, noting that over 100 International Indian Schools currently serve more than 300,000 students in the region. This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which aims to internationalize the Indian education system by establishing campuses abroad.

In addition to SIU, other prestigious Indian institutions are also expanding their global footprint. For instance, the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi has recently launched undergraduate courses in Dubai, further contributing to the educational landscape of the UAE. SIU’s Dubai campus stands out as the first Indian university in the emirate to operate with full accreditation and licensing from the UAE’s top education authorities, including the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, pro-chancellor of SIU, remarked on the significance of this development, stating, “Internationalization is central to the UAE’s educational vision.” She added that the Dubai campus will serve as a gateway for students worldwide, providing them with a global academic experience enriched by international faculty and industry collaborations.

The establishment of SIU’s campus in Dubai is a bold step towards globalizing Indian education. It not only enhances educational opportunities for students but also strengthens the cultural and academic ties between India and the UAE. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, such initiatives are crucial in preparing students for a dynamic and evolving global landscape. The collaboration between these two nations in education is a promising sign of mutual growth and understanding, paving the way for future partnerships that can benefit students and scholars alike.