UAE: Thumbay Moideen in List of Most Influential Indians

Compiled by Media Relations Office, Thumbay Group, UAE

UAE, Aug 22: On the eve of India’s 65 Independence Day, Gulf News Focus Team honored around 65 of the UAE’s most influential Indians by paying a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian expat.  Thumbay Moideen (Medicine Man), Founder President of Thumbay Group has been featured amongst the most influential Indians in the UAE in the Special Report of GN Focus dated August 15, 2012.

Influence is defined as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone or something. On the world stage, India’s influence has never been more visible than it is in its 65th year.

UAE is home to a series of influential Indians who have, in their own inimitable style, shaped the way people live, work and conduct business. Whether these are big businessmen or wedding planners, banking professionals, or sports stars, the individuals on news pages have woven a few threads of their own into the multicultural tapestry of the UAE, each bringing a little bit of India to the way things work.

There were stories of struggle of two or three, sometimes even eight years. With the advantage of hindsight, they are now corporate lore, but for those now in the throes of personal struggles, sans foreknowledge, they are inspirational.

When asked about their key influences, the answers varied, but most popular was His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. A top-ranking professional who worked closely with Sheikh Mohammed says he taught him that any idea is good only with reference to time.

In honoring some of the UAE’s most influential Indians, we pay tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian expat.

There are certainly many whose contributions are not listed here. In this special year of Gulf News annual celebration of India, they have capped the list at 65.

Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of the Thumbay Group, a third generation entrepreneur born in a traditional family having a business background is synonymous with professionalism and positive approach. A forward thinker who prefers to let his milestones be the voice of his plans, he comes across as humble and willing to learn and grow from every life experience.

His pioneering spirit and conviction, courage and confidence soon led to the setting up of his own business group in 1997 known as Thumbay Group.  Thumbay Group ventured into setting up UAE’s first private Medical College, Gulf Medical College in Ajman. This was followed by GMC Hospital and Research Centre, Gulf Medical Centre and GMC Pharmacy in Dubai.

The Gulf Medical University (formerly Gulf Medical College) and G.M.C. Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman, established in 1998 has been involved in Undergraduate Education in Medicine, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Premium Healthcare delivery since the last decade. The institution became a University in the year 2008 following a Decree by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, United Arab Emirates.

Medicine Man

Thumbay Moideen came to the UAE to expand his family’s timber business. However, upon the suggestion of His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and Member of Supreme Council, the third-generation entrepreneur launched Gulf Medical University, the UAE’s first private medical college instead.

Fifteen years later, the group has diversified into publishing, coffee shops and health clubs.

He believes that the best way to learn is through travel and by meeting people. “Visiting new places, dealing with different cultures, understanding their way of doing business and lifestyle adds to one’s personality,” he explains.

Thumbay Group, a business conglomerate has diversified its interests in education, healthcare, medical research, information technology, hospitality, fitness, leisure, trading, construction and real estate.