IIT Delhi’s first international campus opens in Abu Dhabi

Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, presided over the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi (IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi).

The new facility marks the first international campus of IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions for STEM education and research.

The launch event was marked by the establishment of strategic partnerships with several prestigious institutions in Abu Dhabi, including Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Zayed University.

IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi to conduct courses, programmes and joint research

The collaboration between IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University will focus on joint research and academic programmes, sharing research facilities, and facilitating student and faculty exchanges.

With Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the partnership will enable joint research projects, postgraduate student exchanges, and the organisation of seminars and scientific meetings.

In cooperation with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the institution will engage in joint research through seed project grants, collaborative teaching, short training programmes, and internship opportunities.

The partnership with Zayed University will involve faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research, co-supervision of graduation research, and joint academic events.

During his visit, Sheikh Khaled toured the new campus, exploring its diverse academic offerings, including bachelor of technology (BTech) programmes in energy engineering and computer science and engineering. These programmes aim to equip students with the skills needed to address energy challenges and shape the digital future. The master’s programme in energy transition and sustainability (ETS) was also highlighted, designed to prepare young leaders for advancing global energy transition solutions.

Sheikh Khaled emphasised the importance of the new institute in aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global hub for education and knowledge, supporting the emirate’s efforts in tackling climate change and nurturing future leaders in sustainability.

He noted that the institute’s opening underscores the UAE’s competitive advanced education sector and its role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for research and development.

Launch aligns with CEPA goals

The agreement to establish the Abu Dhabi campus was initially endorsed in July 2023 by the UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This initiative complements the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in February 2022.