Media release

Ajman, Jul 12: Gulf Medical University, Ajman, one of the leading medical universities in the Middle East with students from over 86 countries, prepares to re-open the university campus in September and to receive students.

The university has put in place a well thought out strategy while setting up the necessary procedures and measures that ensure the safety of its students and teaching staff. The university, specializing in medical and health professions education, offers academic courses and programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Healthcare Management and Economics and Anesthesia Technology.

Medical education is different from other types of education, as it requires training in hospitals and clinics, with real patients. Prof Hossam Hamdy, the chancellor of GMU, says, "As a university that specializes in medical education, we are working on a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of our students, in line with the directives issued by the Ministry of Health, when they are in the campus or engaged in training that requires interacting with patients. Although we use very advanced simulation and distance learning technologies, but still, interacting with patients in our hospitals is essential."

According to Prof Hossam Hamdy, the university is also introducing important curriculum content changes, like virology and infectious diseases, which the students should be competent in their field of study.

As the academic year will start in early September, the university will notify the students to join by the end of August or the first week of September to familiarize them with the new safety and health procedures.

As part of the precautionary measures, the university will test students for COVID-19 by setting up a fully equipped clinic within the campus, for students. Social distancing will be observed, including reducing the class capacity by 50%.

The university is certainly putting its best effort towards making the next academic year successful and safe.

Student Testimonials:

“It is wonderful to know that UAE campuses are planning to open in September. As a fifth-year dentistry student I need to come back on campus because I need to catch up with my clinical work. There is still so much that we need to do as students for example research as electives. E-learning was great but I still prefer to be back on campus as I feel more focused, and since it’s my last year I would like to make the most of it.”

- Yara Talib (Bahraini national), DMD 5th year

“I'm excited to return to the campus, and I’m glad that the UAE is taking steps to ensure our safe return in September. Face-to-face interactions with professors make lectures a lot more interesting and learning is always better while on the campus where we acquire a lot of knowledge through interactions. I also miss studying and hanging out on the campus with my friends. GMU is always buzzing with activities - both academic and fun - and I can’t wait to be back on campus.”

- Rigza Razzaq (Pakistani national), BBMS 3rd year

“It is heartening to know that the UAE is taking active steps to facilitate the safe return of students to campuses. Although distance e-learning had initially appeared challenging, I was soon able to adapt with it and enjoy learning digitally, thanks to the University’s constant support, especially the help extended by the professors and my classmates. Being a nursing student, I am keen to return to the campus for clinical experience and hands-on practical training.”

- Manal Youssef Abbas Albastaki (Comoros Islands national), BSN 4th year.