India’s Symbiosis University opens first international campus in Dubai
Sheikh Nahayan and Dr. S. Jaishankar attend inauguration
DUBAI: Symbiosis International University (SIU), one of India’s most prominent educational institutions, has marked the grand inauguration of its first international campus in Dubai.
The historic event at the Hilton Hotel was attended by over 1,000 Symbiosis alumni, UAE-based consul generals, industrial leaders, and prominent media figures.
The ceremony was graced by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs.
SIU Dubai campus
The SIU Dubai campus, operational since September, admitted its first cohort of over 100 students. It became the first Indian university in Dubai with full accreditation from the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Dr. Jaishankar hailed the development as a “proud achievement for Indian higher education,” reinforcing India-UAE cultural and educational ties.
The launch aligns with Dubai’s ambitious D33 and Education 33 strategies, contributing to the UAE’s knowledge economy.
Sheikh Nahayan praised the initiative as a benchmark for educational innovation: “This initiative sets a new standard for academic innovation, reflecting a shared vision to promote global education in an environment that embraces multiculturalism.”
Aisha Miran from KHDA added, “Achieving Dubai’s Education 33 vision requires partnerships with institutions like Symbiosis, offering globally aligned programs to prepare students for the global job market.”
Programmes and Opportunities
SIU Dubai offers accredited degrees such as:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and Finance
- Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) with AI and Data Science specialisations
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication
Upcoming offerings include a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programme, aimed at addressing UAE’s demand for qualified teachers.
Fostering talent and innovation
Dr. Vidya Yeradekar, SIU’s Pro-Chancellor, highlighted the campus’s role in providing “a gateway for students worldwide to engage in a truly global academic experience.”
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the event with Aston University, Dubai Police, and IEEE aim to enhance collaborative research, scholarships, and industry ties.
Celebrating over 1,000 Symbiosis alumni in leadership roles across the UAE, the university emphasised its strong industry connections. These networks are expected to provide mentorship and opportunities for current students.
Scholarships were also announced to make high-quality education accessible to UAE and GCC students, reinforcing inclusivity and economic growth.