Dubai, UAE – Nov 19 – Symbiosis International University (SIU), one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, proudly held the formal inauguration of its first international campus, in Dubai.
This milestone event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Dubai, graced by two esteemed leaders: His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s thriving educational landscape, the event became a historic occasion attended by a distinguished gathering of UAE-based consul generals, prominent industrialists, leading media personalities, and over 1,000 Symbiosis alumni in leadership roles across UAE. The grand event was held at the prestigious Hilton, where His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan and the Honorable Dr. Jaishankar joined other dignitaries to mark the formal opening.
The SIU Dubai campus, launched in September with over 100 students, became the first Indian university in Dubai to commence 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). This achievement marks a new benchmark for Indian higher education institutions abroad, positioning SIU as a pivotal educational bridge between India and the UAE. The campus aligns with Dubai’s D33 agenda, as well as Dubai’s new Education 33 strategy, contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce by providing students with world-class, globally recognised education.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak 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, said, “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 programs that keep pace with the needs of the global market. For all of you who will be part of this campus, Dubai is your second home, one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. Dubai and the UAE are emerging as leaders in progress, peace and prosperity in our globalized world. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has, in a very short time, been able to pioneer the development of a knowledge-based economy and society. In the context of this inauguration today, we deeply appreciate and welcome all efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities available in our country.”
His Excellency added that the university embodies its motto “The World is One Family” by enabling students to achieve their ambitions and contribute to a bright future for the UAE and the world.
Honorable Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, a longstanding supporter of SIU’s global expansion, addressed the significance of this collaboration in his speech. “Symbiosis International University’s Dubai campus is a proud achievement not just for Symbiosis but also 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. “Symbiosis has always embodied the values of knowledge-sharing and cultural understanding, making this campus a beacon of progress in international higher education.”
Her Excellency, Aisha Miran, Director General at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) commented: “Guided by Dubai’s leadership, our Education 33 strategy sets a clear goal of making Dubai one of the world’s top 10 student cities for education by 2033. Achieving this vision requires partnerships with international institutions that offer programs that are aligned with students’ ambitions and prepare them for success in the global job market. We welcome Symbiosis to Dubai and look forward to seeing their positive impact on our vibrant education community.”
Strategic Vision and International Partnerships
As an Indian university of repute expanding into the UAE, SIU’s Dubai campus became uniquely positioned to offer internationally recognized programs in high-demand fields, including business, computer science, and media studies. This expansion aligned with the UAE’s D33 agenda by preparing a new generation of skilled professionals who could contribute to Dubai’s thriving economy.
“Internationalization is central to the UAE’s educational vision,” remarked 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.”
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City at TECOM Group PJSC, echoed the value of this milestone expansion. “Symbiosis International University’s launch at Dubai Knowledge Park strengthens the dynamic intellectual corridor that links the UAE and India.”
“The convergence of diverse perspectives creates tangible benefits for future generations, and this move reaffirms Dubai’s impactful role in nurturing collaborative innovation. Such shared ambition, experience, and intellect are crucial to forge solutions that contribute to global progress as envisioned by Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Education Strategy 2033 ‘E33’, and I welcome Symbiosis International University in our endeavor to strengthen the regional knowledge economy.”
Driving UAE’s Workforce Development Goals
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 in the region. These partnerships will provide exclusive scholarships for Arabic students, facilitate collaborative research and faculty exchanges, and foster a vibrant community-industry connection.
Celebrating the Symbiosis Legacy
Reflecting the success of Symbiosis alumni in Dubai, the event highlighted the university’s 1,000+ alumni who hold leadership roles in diverse sectors across the UAE. This strong alumni network will offer current students invaluable industry connections and mentorship opportunities, providing them with a competitive edge in their future careers.
With both January and September intakes offering limited seats, the Symbiosis Dubai campus also announced exclusive scholarships to support talented students from diverse backgrounds, making high-quality education more accessible to students from the UAE and GCC. These scholarships, aligned with the UAE’s vision of inclusivity and accessibility, represented SIU’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent and supporting economic growth through quality education. SIU – Dubai is dedicated to capacity building through world-class education, addressing key areas of workforce development and skill enhancement. Furthering its commitment to educational growth, SIU – Dubai is also preparing to launch a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) program, designed to train qualified teachers and create job opportunities in the UAE’s thriving education sector. This initiative reinforces SIU – Dubai’s mission to build talent and support the region’s need for skilled professionals in education.
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 specializations in AI and Data Science, and Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication, equipping students with the skills needed for careers in fast-growing industries.
For more information on Symbiosis International University’s programs, scholarships, and admissions at the Dubai campus, please visit www.siu-dubai.ac.ae or contact admissions@siu-dubai.ac.ae / +971 55 905 3377. Symbiosis International University – Where the World is One Family
About Symbiosis Dubai
Symbiosis International (Deemed University), established in 1971 by Prof. (Dr.) S.B. Mujumdar, is a multi-disciplinary university that promotes international understanding through quality education. Its ethos is rooted in the Vedic principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world as one family. Originally founded to provide a supportive environment for international students, Symbiosis now serves students from over 85 countries, emphasizing academic excellence, research, innovation, and cultural diversity.
The university has earned numerous national and international accolades. Nationally, it holds an A++ grade from NAAC (2022) and is ranked 32nd in India by NIRF (2023). It is recognized for its contributions to faculty development, internationalization, and innovation, ranking 10th in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation (ARIIA, 2021). Internationally, Symbiosis ranks among the top universities globally, with strong positions in the QS World University Rankings (Asia 2025, 216th) and Times Higher Education rankings (601-800 globally). It also holds prestigious certifications, including the Diamond rating from QS I-GAUGE and the 2000W Smart Cities Certification.
Symbiosis offers a vibrant, multicultural learning environment, fostering research, student growth, and global connections. It is a leading institution committed to the cause of ‘Health for All’ and creating lifelong opportunities for its diverse community.
