First IIT Delhi campus to come up in Abu Dhabi; to offer programs on energy, sustainability

India's Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) to establish IIT Delhi's first campus in Abu Dhabi.

The MoU was signed on Saturday (July 15) in the presence of HE Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. PM Modi was in UAE for a day-long visit following his France trip.

"The MoU for establishment of IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi in the presence of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unfolds a new chapter in internationalization of India's education. An example of New India's innovation and expertise, the IIT Delhi campus in UAE will be an edifice of India-UAE friendship," said Dharmendra Pradhan, Indian Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

IIT Delhi has made significant contributions to India's R&D ecosystem across sectors ranging from energy, defense, healthcare, and rural development, to transportation, IT, and software.

The IIT Delhi- Abu Dhabi campus is expected to launch master's level program beginning January 2024, and bachelor's level program and Ph.D programs from September 2024. In addition it will operate research centers related to sustainable energy and climate studies, as well as computing and data sciences.

The IIT-D campus will offer diverse range of programs covering energy and sustainability, artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, mathematics and computing and other disciplines of engineering, sciences, and humanities.

To complement the academic, research and innovation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi will be collaborating with key players such as Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Technology Innovation Institute, and Hub71 to offer complimentary programs, conduct advanced research, and to further domestic startup ecosystem.

"The execution of this MoU marks a milestone in our plans towards actualizing a globally competitive education ecosystem. In line with our national strategy, this MoU reflects our commitment to providing world-class educational experiences," said Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education, Chairman of the Federal Agency of Early Education, and Chairman of ADEK.

"We anticipate that the IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi partnership will support our transition towards fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and accelerates high-level research."