IIT Delhi Inks MoU with ADEK to Establish Its First Overseas Campus in Abu Dhabi

In a significant step towards promoting educational excellence and fostering international collaboration, the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) to establish the first-ever IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi.

The momentous signing ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The MoU, which aligns with the ongoing UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signifies the shared vision of both nations in prioritizing educational excellence, innovation, knowledge exchange, and investments in human capital. These principles are considered the building blocks for future prosperity, long-term economic growth, and sustainable development.

Expressing his delight on social media, Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, emphasized that the establishment of the IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi, witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a new chapter in India's internationalization of education.

The Minister further highlighted that the IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi will establish a novel framework to harness the power of knowledge for mutual prosperity and global welfare. It will serve as a pivotal milestone in the internationalization of India's education system, he added.

Sara Musallam, the Minister of State for Early Education, Chairman of the Federal Agency of Early Education, and Chairman of ADEK, lauded the MoU as a significant stride in Abu Dhabi's commitment to cultivating a world-class education system that aligns with the nation's development goals and priorities. She remarked that the execution of this MoU represents a pivotal moment in realizing a globally competitive education ecosystem.

Aligned with the national strategy, the MoU reflects Abu Dhabi's dedication to providing unparalleled educational experiences.  Musallam anticipates that the partnership between IIT Delhi and Abu Dhabi will drive innovation, accelerate high-level research, and foster a thriving startup ecosystem.

The IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi campus will collaborate with key players in Abu Dhabi's academic, research, and innovation ecosystem, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Technology Innovation Institute, and Hub71. The collaboration aims to offer complementary program, conduct cutting-edge research, and bolster the local startup scene.

The IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi campus is scheduled to launch its academic program in 2024, offering a wide array of bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. program. It will house research centers focusing on sustainable energy, climate studies, computing, and data sciences. Moreover, the campus will provide diverse program covering areas such as Energy and Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, as well as other engineering, science, and humanities disciplines.

Graduates from the IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi campus will become part of an illustrious alumni network that spans 23 campuses across India. With a stellar reputation, IIT Delhi recently secured a place among the top 50 institutions for engineering and technology worldwide. Additionally, it attained a top 30 rank for global employability in the 2022 QS World University Rankings.

IIT Delhi has been at the forefront of India's research and development ecosystem, contributing to sectors ranging from defence, healthcare, and rural development to transportation, IT, and software.