Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, marked its 26th anniversary with a special ceremony attended by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Thumbay Group; Akbar Moideen Thumbay, vice-president of the healthcare division of Thumbay Group; deans of the university's colleges; and other staff and students.
The celebration featured the launch of four innovative academic programs, including a dual PhD in health professions education, the first of its kind in the UAE and the third in the Arab world. GMU is the only private institution offering two PhD programs in medicine and medical education. Additionally, GMU introduced a bachelor of science in audiology and speech-language pathology, a bachelor of science in optometry, and a master’s in artificial intelligence and health informatics, underscoring its commitment to advancing healthcare education.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen emphasized GMU's growth in infrastructure, staff, students, and academic qualifications, stating, “Starting from modest beginnings as the region’s first private medical university, GMU has now become a symbol of remarkable achievement, standing as the only private academic health system in the region. It not only provides cutting-edge medical education but also plays a significant role in offering advanced healthcare and developing pioneering research.”
Professor Hossam Hamdy, chancellor of GMU, added, “We are glad to introduce four new academic programs as part of our 26th-anniversary celebrations. Over the years, GMU has pioneered a unique model through the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System, showcasing to the world that the future of medical education lies in integrated ‘systems’ that combine education, healthcare, and research.”
GMU also unveiled a long-term strategic growth plan to double the university’s capacity within the next three to four years, aligning with the UAE’s education policies to create an Emirati healthcare workforce. Since its inception, around 5,000 students from 102 nationalities have graduated from GMU, securing successful positions in healthcare and research across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
The university’s academic and research collaborations with international institutions have ensured global recognition and employability for GMU graduates. Notably, GMU’s partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has led to humanitarian learning in healthcare, creating a model youth force equipped to handle emergency crises.
GMU has also earned several global recognitions, including Forbes, Dubai Quality Award, QS Awards, and rankings from QS University Rankings and Times Higher Education, placing it among the top health professions education institutions regionally and globally.
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