A new medical college is scheduled to open in Dubai within a year, with recruitment for its new facility set to begin six months before the launch. Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the founder and president of Thumbay Group, announced to Khaleej Times that the Thumbay College of Management and AI in Healthcare will accommodate nearly 300 students.
"We are progressive and committed to continuous growth. We navigated through the challenges posed by Covid-19 and are now poised for expansion. Our plans include ventures in healthcare, education, and other sectors. We are launching the Thumbay College of Management and AI in Healthcare, a pioneering institution in the UAE. Our initial focus will be on Dubai, with plans to extend to Saudi Arabia, London, and Singapore in the near future. We are diligently working towards making this a reality," Moideen stated during an industry partners meet organized by Gulf Medical University (GMU).
The college will provide undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Despite its modest size, the financial aspect is manageable. This venture targets a unique segment, as no other institution specializes in AI in healthcare. We will be the first to offer this, giving us a competitive edge," he explained. The Ajman-based Thumbay Group, a major provider of healthcare and education services in the country, employs over 3,000 people.
Moideen further mentioned that recruitment will commence by January 2025, aiming to hire 100 specialized professionals and administrative staff. "With six colleges, four institutes, and three centers, offering 39 accredited programs to students from 102 countries, our strength is our comprehensive academic health system that includes seven hospitals, five clinics, 46 pharmacies, and five labs," Moideen detailed. He also announced plans for Gulf Medical University to establish branches in other Middle Eastern countries.
Additionally, the founder revealed that GMU will introduce new courses in the 2025-2026 academic year, increasing the total number of accredited programs to 45, with a goal of doubling capacity in the next three years. He mentioned plans for an AI lab and invited students to participate in this initiative. "What we have achieved so far is only 15-20% of our strategic plan. We have the potential to achieve something monumental and make history," the Thumbay Group founder concluded.
Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, emphasized the introduction of new programs in artificial intelligence and informatics in healthcare. "Our vision over the next five years is for GMU to lead in innovation, digital transformation, and the integration of AI in health education," he added.
