External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar inaugurated Symbiosis International University’s first overseas campus at Dubai Knowledge Park. The event, which marks an important step in strengthening Indo-UAE relations, was also attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

Dr. Jaishankar praised the university for getting full accreditation from the UAE’s Ministry of Education. The new campus will offer programs in management, technology, and media, aiming to equip students with essential 21st-century skills and foster collaboration based on the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which means "the world is one family." The External Affairs Minister highlighted that the inauguration of this campus is not just about expanding institutions, but a major step in India’s global educational reach, as part of the National Education Policy 2020. The policy promotes international partnerships and the creation of campuses abroad.

This development strengthens the educational ties between India and the UAE, benefiting over 300,000 students through various Indian educational programs in the UAE. It builds on the progress made during Prime Minister Modi’s 2015 visit and the following Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Dr. Jaishankar also emphasised that India’s growth is closely tied to its people and the adoption of innovations in areas like AI, clean energy, and sustainable development. Sheikh Nahyan spoke during the event, underscoring the longstanding relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates. 

He underlined the UAE's steadfast dedication to developing a knowledge-based economy under the visionary direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Sheikh expressed great gratitude for the contributions made by the Indian community to the development of the United Arab Emirates and highlighted the critical role that education plays in fostering understanding, peace, and advancement. 

“The world today requires individuals who are not only well-educated but who also appreciate the importance of a culture rooted in knowledge, progress, and mutual respect,” Sheikh Nahyan stated. “In this spirit, education is an essential tool for fostering understanding and stability. It is imperative that, in our pursuit of knowledge, we also uphold the values of justice, tolerance, and peace.” 

Symbiosis International University, a well-known private educational institution based in Pune, India, has expanded internationally by opening a new campus in Dubai. This move is aimed at serving Dubai’s large expatriate community, which makes up about 85% of the city’s 3.5 million residents. The campus is in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda 33, which focuses on improving the economy through human capital development and strengthening the education sector over the next decade.

This expansion also supports India’s National Education Policy 2020, which encourages Indian institutions to go global and increase their international competitiveness. At the same time, it aligns with the UAE’s goal of becoming a global education hub by attracting top institutions and promoting a diverse academic environment.