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Thumbay Group celebrates 29 years in the UAE
Over the years, the Group has built an integrated ecosystem linking medical education, clinical care, research, and innovation to serve communities across the UAE and beyond
- PUBLISHED: Fri 13 Mar 2026, 10:17 AM
Thumbay Group has marked 29 years of transformative presence in the UAE, celebrating nearly three decades of pioneering contributions to education, healthcare, research, and broader societal development.
Founded in 1997 by healthcare visionary Dr Thumbay Moideen, Thumbay Group has grown from a single initiative into a diversified international enterprise with a strong footprint across academic medicine, hospitals, research, technology, hospitality, media, and retail. Over the years, the Group has built a fully integrated ecosystem that connects medical education, clinical care, research, and business innovation to serve communities across the UAE and beyond.
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At the core of this success is Gulf Medical University (GMU), the No. 1 private medical university in the Gulf and a leading institution globally. GMU is the first private Academic Health System, integrating medical education, patient care, and research under a single progressive vision. The university offers programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, nursing, AI in healthcare, and veterinary sciences, supported by advanced research labs, clinical simulation training, and international study opportunities through its Global Pathway Programme.
Complementing GMU, Thumbay Healthcare is the largest network of private academic hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies in the region. Over the past 29 years, the network has treated more than 16 million patients from over 175 nationalities, performed more than 100,000 baby deliveries, and served as a life-giving and life-sustaining pillar for communities across the UAE. Children born in Thumbay Hospitals today study at GMU, while many university graduates return to serve in leadership and specialist roles within the Group and healthcare organisations worldwide.
Reflecting on this milestone, Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Thumbay Group, said: "For 29 years, our journey has been guided by the belief that education, healthcare, and research together can transform lives and societies. The UAE provided the vision, stability, and opportunity that allowed us to build this integrated ecosystem. We are grateful to the leaders of this country, which we proudly call home. In today’s world of complex challenges, the importance of strong healthcare systems, knowledge-driven education, and meaningful research has never been clearer. Our commitment remains unwavering: Thumbay Group will continue to invest in people, knowledge, and innovation, anticipating the future and shaping a healthier, more resilient society."
