Media Release
Ajman, Nov 6: Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the biggest private medical university in the Middle East region celebrated its 26th anniversary, with a special ceremony attended by Dr Thumbay Moideen – founder president, Thumbay Group, Akbar Moideen Thumbay – vice president of the healthcare division of Thumbay group, and deans of the colleges of the university as well as other staff and students. The celebration was marked by the introduction of four groundbreaking academic programmes, including a Dual PhD in health professions education, which is the first of its kind in the UAE and the third in the Arab world. Gulf Medical University is the only private institution offering two PhD programs in the fields of medicine and medical education.
Additionally, GMU unveiled the bachelor of science in audiology and speech-language pathology, the bachelor of science in optometry, and the master’s in artificial intelligence and health informatics, further expanding its commitment to advancing healthcare education. These additions reflect Gulf Medical University’s ongoing achievements and its steadfast commitment to advancing the field of health professions education, research, and innovation.
Emphasizing the growth and advancement of Gulf Medical University in terms of infrastructure, staff, students, and academic qualifications, Dr Thumbay Moideen stated, “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. Our growth over the past 26 years has been propelled by the commitment of our team, learners, and collaborators, coupled with GMU’s focus on continuous innovation and, above all, the blessings of the Almighty. We have also enjoyed tremendous support from the government throughout this journey.”
On a similar note, Prof Hossam Hamdy, chancellor, Gulf Medical University, stated, “We are glad to introduce four new academic programmes 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. The shared values across our six colleges, our teaching hospital, and our commitment to fostering comprehensive excellence have enabled us to make significant contributions to the community over the past two decades. Our approach has also underscored the immense value of our academic community and the strength of our foundational, collaborative, and translational sciences.”
A long-term strategic growth plan to double the university's capacity within the next three to four years was unveiled, too, by Gulf Medical University's Academic team. This plan aligns with the education policies established by the United Arab Emirates and will create an Emirati healthcare workforce to serve the region.
Since its inception, around 5000 students from 102 nationalities have graduated from GMU, advancing their career and securing successful positions in the healthcare and research across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. Moreover, the university’s academic and research tie-ups with international universities and research institutions has ensured global recognition and employability for GMU graduates. To name a few, GMU’s collaboration with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has led to humanitarian learning in healthcare to create a model youth force in the country that will be equipped with all the basic skills and knowledge to fight any emergency crisis as per international standards.
Besides, Gulf Medical University has won several global recognitions such as Forbes, Dubai Quality award, QS awards, QS reimagine WRC leaders and ranking from QS University rankings, times higher education, placing placed the university among top health professions education institutions in the region and globally.