The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is set to make history with the launch of its first international campus in Dubai, with classes set to commence in September 2025. 

Announced during the institute’s 60th convocation at the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza, this expansion makes IIMA the first among India’s prestigious IIMs to establish a presence beyond national borders. While this marks a significant milestone, Indian educational institutions have long ventured abroad, with footprints in global hubs like Dubai, Africa, London, and California.

Renowned as India’s leading business school and among the world’s most prestigious management institutions, IIMA offers a range of distinguished programmes, from Ph.D. and MBA degrees to executive and specialised diploma courses designed to foster leadership, innovation, and global business acumen.

While specific details are yet to be disclosed, courses offered by IIMA include Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), PGP-Food and Agri-business Management (PGP-FABM), and PGP for Executives (PGPX), all recognised globally for their excellence. 

The Dubai campus will allow IIMA to tap into the region’s diverse talent pool, address the growing demand for management education in the Middle East. By establishing a presence in Dubai, the institute aims to attract international students and professionals.

Meanwhile, the IIMA ranked 27th for Business and Management Studies under Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

(Source: Indian Express)

Residents across the UAE are in for a stress-free Eid Al Fitr, as authorities have arranged free public parking and extended public transport hours to accommodate the holiday rush.

With large crowds visiting shopping malls, mosques, parks, and family gatherings, transport services have been scaled up to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Dubai: Free Parking & Extended Metro Timings

Dubai’s public parking will be free from 1st to 3rd Shawwal, except for multi-level parking terminals, offering much-needed relief for visitors heading to busy shopping districts and entertainment hubs. Paid parking will resume on the 4th of Shawwal.

Public transport services, including the Dubai Metro and Tram, will operate extended hours to accommodate late-night celebrations.

• Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines):
  • Monday – Wednesday, March 31 – April 2: 5 am – 1 am

The move aims to ease congestion and allow residents and visitors to enjoy seamless connectivity across the city during the festive period.

Sharjah: Free Parking, 7,000 Additional Buses 

Sharjah is also stepping up to make Eid travel hassle-free. The municipality has confirmed free public parking for the first three days of Eid, except in blue-signposted paid zones that remain active year-round.

Authorities have warned that inspection teams will be on high alert to prevent misuse of parking spaces, ensuring fairness for all motorists.

To tackle increased demand, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has deployed over 7,000 intercity buses, providing convenient travel options for commuters moving between Sharjah and other emirates.

Ajman: Free Parking for Eid 

Ajman Municipality has also announced free parking from 1st to 3rd Shawwal, allowing residents and visitors to move freely without worrying about parking fees.

Seamless Travel for Eid Celebrations

With free parking, extended Metro and Tram services, and additional intercity buses, the UAE is gearing up for a smooth and hassle-free Eid Al Fitr celebration. Whether heading to prayer, visiting loved ones, or enjoying the holiday festivities, residents can expect a stress-free travel experience across the country.

Planning to Travel? Here’s What You Need to Know!

• Leave early to avoid last-minute rushes, especially for Eid prayers.
• Use public transport for a more convenient and stress-free experience.
• Check metro and bus schedules to plan your journeys efficiently.

Autonomous taxis are here. Autogo, a UAE-based mobility company, has kicked off trials for its RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi, with full-scale operations set to launch by 2026.

This futuristic ride-hailing service is powered by Apollo Go, the self-driving arm of Chinese tech giant Baidu, bringing cutting-edge AI technology straight to the streets of the UAE capital.

The trials, conducted in coordination with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), aim to ensure the autonomous cabs meet safety regulations and blend seamlessly into the city’s traffic network.

So, what’s the big deal? RoboTaxis promise safer, smarter, and greener rides. These electric, AI-driven vehicles navigate the roads with precision and real-time responsiveness, aiming to reduce human error and traffic congestion.

The 6th generation RT6 RoboTaxi — specially designed for driverless ride-hailing — boasts a sleek, comfortable design while being fully electric. Meanwhile, Apollo Go, already a major player in China’s autonomous driving scene, has clocked up over 150 million kilometres in self-driving experience.

Kintsugi Holding’s Managing Director, Sean Teo, called the launch a “game-changer for urban mobility”, emphasising its role in boosting road safety and sustainability.

With millions of autonomous rides already completed worldwide, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a transportation revolution.

(Source: Wam)