Thumbay Group proudly marks 29 years of transformative presence in the United Arab Emirates, 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.
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 programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, nursing, AI in healthcare, and veterinary sciences, supported by advanced research laboratories, clinical simulation training, and international study opportunities through its Global Pathway Program.
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 19 million patients from over 175 nationalities, performing more than 100,000 deliveries and serving 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 organizations worldwide.
The Thumbay International Research Grant awards AED 3 million annually to advance cutting-edge research, and the upcoming Thumbay International Research Centre, featuring an incubator and Startup Lab, is poised to transform new ideas into practical solutions.
Beyond education and healthcare, Thumbay Group operates a broad portfolio of businesses:
- Technology ventures supporting innovation across sectors.
- Hospitality businesses including coffee shops, restaurants, spas, and fitness centres.
- A media division publishing Health Magazine for over two decades and launching two new magazines.
- Retail experiences, including Zo & Mo Opticals, The Thumbay Shoppee, and a floral shop.
The Group runs seven Academic and Specialty Hospitals, maintains a representative presence in 87 countries through medical tourism, and continues to expand advanced healthcare infrastructure. The upcoming Thumbay Medicity Dubai is designed as a next-generation academic healthcare destination, integrating advanced clinical care, education, research, digital health, and innovation within one ecosystem.
Recent expansions include a Veterinary Hospital in Ajman and a specialized Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Hospital in Sharjah, reflecting the Group’s commitment to comprehensive, multidisciplinary healthcare. Education initiatives extend beyond GMU, with the Thumbay College of Management now operating in five countries and developing globally competent leaders who bridge healthcare, technology, innovation, and social responsibility.
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.”
As it celebrates 29 years, Thumbay Group looks ahead with renewed purpose and ambition, expanding its Academic Health System, investing in research, integrating AI in education and healthcare, and creating infrastructure that serves communities across the region. Through its diversified enterprises, the Group continues to elevate lives, societies, and economies while driving the UAE’s global leadership in healthcare, education, and innovation.
