Kamal Ghorui
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has opened admissions for the 24th cohort of its General Management Programme, aimed at professionals across the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. The programme is designed to strengthen leadership capability and managerial execution across industries and geographies. The eight-month course is approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai and is open to mid-to-senior professionals globally. It combines academic instruction with practical learning through a blended format.
Programme structure and delivery
The programme consists of 100 blended sessions and incorporates case studies drawn from Harvard and IIM Ahmedabad. Participants undertake a 10-day campus immersion across Dubai and Ahmedabad to support peer interaction and professional networking. The curriculum includes modules on organisational effectiveness, innovation, operations, IT and digital strategy, and decision-making. The structure is intended to build enterprise-wide thinking and support transitions into senior management roles.
Market trends shaping demand
The leadership development market, valued at USD 82.18 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 225.1 billion by 2034, reflecting continued investment in structured learning frameworks. Estimates indicate that artificial intelligence could affect 40 per cent of jobs globally, with varying levels of automation and augmentation across economies. Industry frameworks emphasise technology adoption, governance, workforce upskilling and data-driven decision-making as core priorities for organisations.
Participant profile and learning approach
Previous cohorts have included professionals with 8 to over 25 years of experience from countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, the USA, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Participants represent sectors including consulting, engineering, retail, technology, telecom, oil and gas, healthcare and financial services. The programme uses a mix of case-method teaching, live online sessions, assignments and a capstone project. Participants typically engage with 40 to 50 case studies across industries.
Certification and outcomes
The course progresses from management fundamentals to advanced strategy and governance topics. Areas covered include finance, marketing, operations, HR, digital transformation, AI and ethics. Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate and alumni status from IIM Ahmedabad.
