Staff
UAE and Indian ministers grace the inauguration ceremony
Dubai, Nov 14, 2024: The Dubai campus of India’s Symbiosis International University (SIU) was officially launched by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence and Dr S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister for External Affairs at an inauguration ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Dubai.
The SIU Dubai campus, launched in September with more than 100 students, has commenced operations with full accreditation and licensing from the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Ministry of Education (MOE).
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan stressed that the opening of Symbiosis University’s branch in Dubai is a significant achievement in the journey of cooperation between the UAE and India. “This initiative sets a new standard for academic innovation and reflects a shared vision to promote global education in an environment that embraces multiculturalism. The launch of this branch will leave a positive impact on the higher education sector in the UAE by offering advanced programmes that keep pace with the needs of the global market,” he said.
Dr Jaishankar said that the SIU Dubai campus is a proud achievement not just for Symbiosis but for Indian higher education as a whole. “This milestone is a testament to India’s commitment to fostering global talent and a bridge for deepening India-UAE educational and cultural ties,” he said.
SIU’s Dubai campus will be offering programmes in high-demand fields such as business, computer science and media studies. The programmes align with the UAE’s D33 agenda by preparing a new generation of skilled professionals who could contribute to Dubai’s thriving economy.
“Internationalisation is central to the UAE’s educational vision,” says Dr. Vidya Yeradekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University. “By opening our campus in Dubai, we are creating a gateway for students from around the world to engage in a truly global academic experience, where they can benefit from international faculty, real-world industry collaborations and a curriculum that meets the needs of a changing world.”
The campus offers accredited degrees such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) with specialisations in AI and Data Science, and Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication.
The event also saw the signing of several strategic partnerships, including the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Aston University, L&T, Dubai Police, and IEEE, enhancing the university’s network and impact. These partnerships will provide exclusive scholarships for Arabic students, facilitate collaborative research and faculty exchanges, and foster community-industry connection.
The event saw participation from more than 1,000 Symbiosis alumni in leadership roles across UAE. The alumni network will offer current students industry connections and mentorship opportunities.
