Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Aug 14: From its humble beginnings as a medical education institution in the United Arab Emirates in 1997, Thumbay Group has grown into a globally recognised, diversified academic healthcare group, marking its entry into its 30th year with an ambitious vision for the future.

Speaking at a media interaction held at Thumbay Hills, Mangaluru, on Friday, founder president Dr Thumbay Moideen said the group is driven by its guiding philosophy of “Growth through Innovation” and aims to build the world’s largest network of medical education centres.

The journey began when the ruling family of Ajman invited Dr Moideen to establish a private medical college in the UAE—an opportunity that was considered unprecedented for a foreign national at the time. The Gulf Medical College was established in 1998 and has since evolved into Gulf Medical University (GMU), today recognised as one of the leading private medical universities in the Gulf region.

GMU currently has seven colleges, more than 50 accredited programmes and around 5,000 students representing over 111 nationalities. The university also maintains academic and research collaborations with more than 70 international universities and institutions. The group invests around AED 10 million annually in research grants, reflecting its strong commitment to innovation and advanced healthcare education.

Thumbay Group has developed one of the Gulf region’s largest private academic healthcare networks, comprising academic hospitals, clinics, medical centres, diagnostic laboratories and pharmacies.

The group’s healthcare facilities have provided treatment to more than 19 million patients from 175 nationalities and have conducted over 1 lac deliveries, demonstrating its extensive reach and commitment to accessible healthcare.

At the heart of the group’s operations is Thumbay Medicity in Al Jurf, Ajman, a 25-acre integrated healthcare and education destination. It includes the 350-bed Thumbay University Hospital, one of the largest private academic hospitals in the region, along with Thumbay Dental Hospital and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. The integrated facility attracts around 15,000 visitors every day.

The group continues to expand its academic healthcare footprint with new initiatives, including a 120-bed mental health and rehabilitation hospital in Sharjah Healthcare City, Thumbay Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine and the upcoming Thumbay International Research Centre.

Among the group's upcoming major projects is Thumbay Medicity Dubai, which is expected to generate around 1,000 employment opportunities. Thumbay Group has also announced UAE-first academic programmes in longevity medicine in collaboration with the Geneva College of Longevity Science, Switzerland.

Through the Thumbay International Pathway Programme, students will have the opportunity to complete their foundational studies in the UAE and undertake clinical training at partner universities in Europe, leading to globally recognised qualifications.

Dr Moideen has received several prestigious recognitions for his contributions to healthcare, education and industry. In October 2024, he was honoured with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, one of Karnataka’s highest civilian honours. In January 2026, he received the New Year Award from the Academy of General Education, Manipal.

He also holds five honorary doctorates from universities across three continents, besides numerous national and international recognitions.

Thumbay Group at a glance

• 29 years of operations in the UAE, entering its 30th year

• 26 brands across 15 business sectors

• Healthcare services provided to 19 million+ patients from 175 nationalities

• 7 academic hospitals, clinics and medical centres

• 46 pharmacies and a major regional diagnostic laboratory network

• 1 lac+ deliveries conducted

• 350-bed Thumbay University Hospital

• Around 5,000 students at Gulf Medical University

• 7 colleges and 50+ accredited programmes

• Students from 111+ nationalities

• 70+ international academic and research collaborations

• Around 4,000 employees

• Approximately AED 10 million invested annually in research grants

• More than AED 60 million committed through the Care & Share scholarship programme

With its strong foundation in medical education, healthcare, research and innovation, Thumbay Group continues to strengthen its global presence while remaining committed to shaping the future of healthcare and developing the next generation of medical professionals.