External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated Symbiosis International University's first international campus at Dubai Knowledge Park, a significant moment in India-UAE relations. The event also featured UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the university’s achievement of gaining full accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the UAE’s Ministry of Education. The Dubai campus will offer a wide range of programs in fields like management, technology, and media, focusing on 21st-century skills. The initiative embraces the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," meaning "the world is one family," aiming to promote global collaboration.
The Minister emphasized that this event goes beyond the opening of a new campus; it represents a step forward in India’s global educational outreach, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy encourages international engagement and the development of offshore educational institutions.
This milestone adds to the strong educational collaboration between India and the UAE, which already serves over 300,000 students through Indian educational programs in the region. The launch of the Dubai campus follows the momentum set by Prime Minister Modi’s 2015 visit to the UAE and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Dr. Jaishankar stressed that India's development hinges on its human capital and advancements in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and sustainability.
Sheikh Nahyan, in his address, underlined the enduring relationship between India and the UAE. He affirmed the UAE’s dedication to a knowledge-driven economy, guided by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Sheikh praised the educational partnership, noting the significant contributions of the Indian community to the UAE's growth.
"The world today needs individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also understand the importance of a culture rooted in progress and mutual respect," said Sheikh Nahyan. "Education is a key to fostering understanding and stability, and it must be guided by the values of justice, tolerance, and peace."
Symbiosis International University, known for its multiple campuses in Pune, India, selected Dubai for its global expansion, targeting the city’s diverse expatriate community, which makes up about 85% of its 3.5 million residents. This move aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda 33, which aims to reshape the city’s economy by emphasizing human capital and enhancing the education sector.
The Dubai campus supports both India’s NEP 2020 and the UAE’s vision for internationalized education. While the NEP encourages Indian universities to broaden their global reach, the UAE aims to become a global educational hub, attracting prestigious institutions and creating a multicultural academic environment.