One of the world’s top engineering colleges, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi Abu Dhabi says it has received an “overwhelming response” for admission tests it will conduct this weekend and in April that are open to students from around the world for undergraduate programmes in the UAE.
The first international campus of the much-respected Indian Institute of Technology in Abu Dhabi has completed a year and has a host of plans to nurture talent and establish itself as a global hub of cutting-edge research and development.
Research programmes, executive training programmes for companies, collaborations with the top universities apart from growing its undergraduate courses are part of the agenda for India’s most sought-after engineering school.
From a small batch of 20 Masters students in January last year, the school has grown to about 80 students out of which there are 13 Emiratis in the Bachelor's programme and 12 Emiratis among 17 students in the Master of Technology course. A PhD programme in energy and sustainability was launched last month.
“We have had an overwhelming response,” Dr Shantanu Roy, executive director of IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi told The National. “We want this to be a truly international campus and our vision is to be among the best in the world.”
Students conduct research in energy, sustainability and artificial intelligence with plans to establish research laboratories tackling issues from climate, water and health care.
“With this we will be part of the effort to the UAE’s strategic goals and national sustainability initiatives. That is a challenge and of great scientific interest to academicians like us,” said Dr Roy.
Vision of two governments
The UAE government offers a 100 per cent tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of Dh4,000 to all Emiratis for undergraduate programmes at the institute.
There are 23 IITs in India and the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi was born out of a collaboration of the UAE and Indian governments to provide a world-class learning environment for students, faculty and researchers, foster science, technology, engineering and maths research in the Emirates.
More than 4 million Indians live in the UAE, the largest number of Indian citizens in any country. The interest so far has been among Indians and Emiratis who learnt about the programme in summer school classes organised in the UAE. There are plans for more outreach in UAE schools as well as across the MENA region and Asia.
Establishing an IIT outside India was outlined in a vision statement by President Sheikh Mohamed, then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces with Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister following the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership several years ago.
“We have got overwhelming support from the UAE government, the Indian government, corporates and local institutions,” Dr Roy said. “Adnoc has been supporting us all through and they have even sponsored 12 of 18 students in the MTech programme.”
The institute plans scholarships for international students. Currently scholarships for international students are linked to stellar academic performances.
Dr Roy said the focus will be to set up the research infrastructure and also work with universities including Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Zayed University and Sorbonne University.
Lecture series and workshops including one on carbon capture this month have been scheduled.
Admission tests
Students from the UAE will take the CAET, a common admission entrance test, the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi has curated specially for students from the Emirates and overseas for the undergraduate programmes.
The three-hour tests on February 16 will be conducted in its Abu Dhabi campus, Dubai, Sharjah and New Delhi for undergraduate programmes in energy engineering, computer science, engineering and a newly introduced Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
The second test is scheduled for April 13. Students can attempt both tests and the higher score will be considered for the final selection. Indian students who live in India need to take a test available in India called the JEE Advanced.
Excitement to be an IITian
The programmes have attracted teenagers recently graduated from UAE high schools and professionals keen on taking leadership roles.
Adnan Al Marri, 35, is studying towards a Master of Technology in energy transition and sustainability, is on an Adnoc scholarship after working for the company for 12 years. The degree gives him practical knowledge and deeper insight into policy.
“My background is petroleum engineering but I can see the direction the world is heading towards decarbonisation and it’s important for me to stay relevant,” said the Abu Dhabi resident. “For almost everything in our life we rely on derivatives from crude and natural gas, this degree gives me the background to understand what is required to go for alternative clean energy. Mr Al Marri also wants to focus on energy economics, policy and planning. Part of an inaugural batch of 20 Masters students last January, he is happy to see the numbers grow.
“I’m excited from the first day and even until today I’m still excited,” he said. “When I found out the institute was the vision of two great leaders of two nations, I thought if my President has a great vision to bring the IIT here, I know it’s the best for me.”
Teenage students said it was their interest in renewable energy that drew them to study at IIT.
“I enjoy laboratory work like the chemistry lab because when you apply the concept in the lab you have a far better understanding of the theory,” said Noora Al Rashdi, 18, a Bachelor in energy engineering student. Proud to have received a waiver from the UAE government, she wants to contribute to the country’s green vision.
“I’m so proud to be studying here because it has a great academic record and because of the partnership between the UAE and India,” she said. “I want to work on projects that contribute to a greener future for our country.”
Dream fulfilled
For Indian citizen Tanvi Parsam, 18, who lives in Abu Dhabi, it has been a long-cherished goal come true.
“I never would have believed I would be in an IIT, it’s like a dream,” she said. “Having an IIT outside India, will change people’s perspective of going to US and Europe. It’s a great opportunity that more students are going to try for. Parents in India and in UAE want to have their children close to home rather than far away in the US or UK.
“The course teaches me to push myself beyond limits and having a cohort of with people different calibre really helps me challenge myself.”
The family of Aryan Jha, 18, from India’s Jaipur state encouraged him to apply to Abu Dhabi as it would open up more opportunities.
“The one-on-one attention students get here is amazing,” he said. “The teacher-student ratio is off the charts. The learning environment is challenging but once you adapt to the pace, it prepares you for the real world, to face actual challenges.”
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Team Angel Wolf Beach Blast takes place every Wednesday between 4:30pm and 5:30pm
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE CARD
The line-up as it stands for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27
50-man Royal Rumble
Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns
Casket match
The Undertaker v Rusev
Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cesaro v Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy
United States Championship
Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
Singles match
Triple H v John Cena
To be confirmed
AJ Styles will defend his WWE World Heavyweight title and Cedric Alexander his Cruiserweight Championship, but matches have yet to be announced
The%20Woman%20King%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gina%20Prince-Bythewood%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Thuso%20Mbedu%2C%20Sheila%20Atim%2C%20Lashana%20Lynch%2C%20John%20Boyega%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Will the pound fall to parity with the dollar?
The idea of pound parity now seems less far-fetched as the risk grows that Britain may split away from the European Union without a deal.
Rupert Harrison, a fund manager at BlackRock, sees the risk of it falling to trade level with the dollar on a no-deal Brexit. The view echoes Morgan Stanley’s recent forecast that the currency can plunge toward $1 (Dh3.67) on such an outcome. That isn’t the majority view yet – a Bloomberg survey this month estimated the pound will slide to $1.10 should the UK exit the bloc without an agreement.
New Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the EU on the October 31 deadline with or without an agreement, fuelling concern the nation is headed for a disorderly departure and fanning pessimism toward the pound. Sterling has fallen more than 7 per cent in the past three months, the worst performance among major developed-market currencies.
“The pound is at a much lower level now but I still think a no-deal exit would lead to significant volatility and we could be testing parity on a really bad outcome,” said Mr Harrison, who manages more than $10 billion in assets at BlackRock. “We will see this game of chicken continue through August and that’s likely negative for sterling,” he said about the deadlocked Brexit talks.
The pound fell 0.8 per cent to $1.2033 on Friday, its weakest closing level since the 1980s, after a report on the second quarter showed the UK economy shrank for the first time in six years. The data means it is likely the Bank of England will cut interest rates, according to Mizuho Bank.
The BOE said in November that the currency could fall even below $1 in an analysis on possible worst-case Brexit scenarios. Options-based calculations showed around a 6.4 per cent chance of pound-dollar parity in the next one year, markedly higher than 0.2 per cent in early March when prospects of a no-deal outcome were seemingly off the table.
Bloomberg
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
OPTA'S PREDICTED TABLE
1. Liverpool 101 points
2. Manchester City 80
3. Leicester 67
4. Chelsea 63
5. Manchester United 61
6. Tottenham 58
7. Wolves 56
8. Arsenal 56
9. Sheffield United 55
10. Everton 50
11. Burnley 49
12. Crystal Palace 49
13. Newcastle 46
14. Southampton 44
15. West Ham 39
16. Brighton 37
17. Watford 36
18. Bournemouth 36
19. Aston Villa 32
20. Norwich City 29
Roll of honour 2019-2020
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership
UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes
UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II
UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
