Dubai (Commonwealth Union)_ In a landmark moment in the international higher education sector, IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi Campus has opened its doors to a new generation of innovators. On September 2, 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince. This momentous event marks a significant leap in international engineering education while also exemplifying the deepening collaboration between India and the UAE.
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The grand inaugural ceremony, attended by Sheikh Khaled, celebrated the beginning of a new era for academic excellence in the UAE. The event introduced the first cohort of 52 BTech students who will pursue Bachelor of Technology degrees in Computer Science and Engineering and Energy Engineering. This pioneering group, selected through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced and the newly established Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) for international candidates, includes a diverse mix of Indian, Emirati, and international students.
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The launch of this campus aligns with the Vision Document unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in February 2022. This strategic blueprint aims to enhance the India-UAE relationship, extending it into new areas of collaboration, particularly in education and research. Earlier in January 2024, the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus had already made its mark with the introduction of its Master of Technology (MTech) program in Energy Transition and Sustainability. This program has been pivotal in fostering academic ties, with the inaugural MTech cohort having met Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Abu Dhabi in February.
In conjunction with the inauguration, IIT Delhi signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent Abu Dhabi institutions, including Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Khalifa University, Zayed University, and Sorbonne University-Abu Dhabi. These agreements are set to bolster Abu Dhabi’s academic and research environment, promoting joint research initiatives, academic programs, and exchange opportunities for students and faculty members. Notably, the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will focus on postgraduate student exchanges and the organization of scientific seminars, further enhancing the campus’s global engagement.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underscored the significance of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus in fortifying the India-UAE bond. Pradhan stated, “The IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus symbolizes the India-UAE friendship and reflects our shared vision for leveraging knowledge, science, and technology to promote mutual and global prosperity,” emphasizing that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of internationalizing India’s education system. The new campus represents not only a physical expansion but also a testament to the enduring partnership between India and the UAE. It is a striking example of both nations’ commitment to advancing global education and fostering innovation. In November 2023, India’s Minister of Education visited the campus during its construction phase. The inauguration of the fully completed campus today, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, reflects the tireless efforts of both nations to advance their educational and technological collaboration.
IIT Delhi, renowned for its distinguished history of producing innovative and highly skilled engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, is often compared to prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard. The Abu Dhabi campus is IIT Delhi’s second international location, following the establishment of IIT Madras’s international campus in Zanzibar. With its dedication to academic excellence, breakthrough research, and global reputation, the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus is all set to become a leading force in revolutionizing the landscape of engineering education and research in the UAE, the Middle East, and beyond. Additionally, the inauguration of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus heralds a new chapter in educational and research excellence, signifying a major milestone in the deepening educational ties between India and the UAE.
