The Impact Innovator

Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s Remarkable Reign in Business

A global icon of achievement entrepreneurial Dr.Thumbay Moideen is a titan of vision and endless hard work. Dr. Moideen was born in Mangalore, India, on March 23, 1957, in a family well-known for their distinguished standing in business. His name is now associated with innovation, professionalism, and dedication to maintaining a positive outlook in all of his personal and professional undertakings.

The Origins of Entrepreneurship ​

Dr. Moideen started his entrepreneurial career at the young age of 21. Possessing an innate sense of business, he took over as head of the well-established business empire owned by his father, Dr. Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen. With encouragement from his father and grandfather, Dr. Moideen began an incredible professional path that involved scaling and growing the family’s business endeavors to previously unheard-of levels in a relatively short amount of time.
In 1997, Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s remarkable career as a visionary entrepreneur reached a turning point. During this time, he estabzzzlished the Thumbay Group in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), paving the way for an unmatched path of expansion and innovation. The inception story of Thumbay Group’s flagship institution, Gulf Medical University (GMU), has become legendary in business circles across UAE. It all began when Dr. Moideen, had a chance meeting with a member of Ajman’s royal family, who asked him for ideas on projects that could help boost the Emirates’ economy. Dr. Moideen proposed an educational institution modelled on the likes of a similar establishment he had seen in the state of Karnataka in India. The plan was highly appreciated, and he was soon invited to initiate and lead the creation of a medical academic center in Ajman.
While Dr. Moideen had no prior experience about this segment at the time, he saw a great potential in the inherent idea and decided to pursue it and scale up further. Soon, Gulf Medical College was established, and ever since it has grown leaps and bounds and become one of the most sought-after private medical universities in the GCC region-completing 25 years of operation. 60 percent of the health professionals trained in the UAE are alumni of this prestigious university. It’s not only doctors, but also nurses, dental, physiotherapy, among others. 

Pioneering Medical Education ​

Over the past 25 years, Gulf Medical University (GMU) has evolved into a renowned institution, growing from humble beginnings to become the Middle East’s only private Academic Health System. Driven by innovation and dedication, GMU offers a diverse range of accredited undergraduate and graduate programs across six constituent colleges. With a student body comprising over 4000 individuals from 102 nationalities, GMU is committed to delivering futuristic medical education. The university provides a comprehensive education in the field of health professions, offering 35 accredited undergraduate and graduate programs across its colleges.GMU’s global reach is evident through its 76 collaborations with top international universities, facilitating research and academic exchange. The university’s impressive reputation is underscored by the approximately 6000 student applications received annually for approximately 270 spots, reflecting its status as a highly sought-after institution in the region.GMU’s commitment to excellence extends to its infrastructure and facilities, which include JCI-accredited hospitals and CAP-accredited laboratories. The Thumbay Research Institute of Precision Medicine Research serves as a hub for postgraduate studies and innovation, offering programs like the Doctor of Philosophy in Precision Medicine in collaboration with Université Paris Saclay.GMU’s unique approach to education emphasizes practical learning experiences supported by advanced technology and real-world applications. The institution’s strong emphasis on research and clinical training ensures students receive comprehensive preparation for their future careers. Through a blend of academic rigor, hands-on training, and innovative research initiatives, GMU remains at the forefront of health professions education, contributing to the advancement of healthcare regionally and globally.

Excellence in Healthcare Delivery

Thumbay Healthcare represents the largest chain of private academic hospitals in the region with over 800 beds. Its impact extends globally, catering to patients from over 175 countries and providing crucial clinical training facilities to students of Gulf Medical University. With a network comprising 7 academic hospitals, family clinics/medical centers, and diagnostic labs, Thumbay Healthcare continues to lead the way in redefining healthcare standards, emphasizing world-class medical services centered on patient well-being and excellence.
The accreditations earned by Thumbay Healthcare showcase its commitment to quality care. Holding the prestigious accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), it ranks as the 5th institution globally to achieve this esteemed recognition. Moreover, milestones such as the establishment of Thumbay Dental Hospital and Thumbay Rehab Hospital further highlight expansion in specialized care offerings. This commitment to excellence extends to ensuring that patients receive care meeting the highest international standards of quality and safety, upheld by the largest network of JCI accredited hospitals.
Thumbay University Hospital serves as an ecosystem of holistic care, featuring a long-term care facility and therapeutic garden, nurturing a serene environment conducive to healing and recovery. Additionally, Thumbay Healthcare’s extensive reach is reflected in its substantial patient base, having treated and screened over 10 million individuals and conducted over 65,000 deliveries. As pioneers of medical tourism in the UAE, Thumbay Healthcare takes pride in being the first hospital to establish a dedicated department promoting medical tourism. With representative offices in over 50 countries and multilingual staff proficient in 20 languages, Thumbay Healthcare has extended its reach globally, ensuring accessibility and excellence in healthcare services for individuals worldwide.
 

Forward-Looking Vision ​

Looking ahead to Vision 2028, Thumbay Group is poised for significant global expansion and innovation across various sectors. The firm is focusing on growth in Saudi Arabia in accordance with their strategic expansion goals, intending to build medical education centers and healthcare facilities as part of the franchisee model. Gulf Medical University’s 2024 Pathway in Medicine Program has forged global partnerships with esteemed institutions in the UK, USA, Americas, Poland, and Italy, offering students a unique international medical education experience. Meanwhile, Thumbay Group is set to establish the Thumbay Institute of Veterinary Sciences, aligning with the One Health Vision for enhanced veterinary care. Additionally, the recently launched Thumbay Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, in collaboration with MITXpro USA and industry leaders, aims to revolutionize AI education for healthcare professionals. Further initiatives include the establishment of advanced institutes focusing on autism, alternative medicine, Chinese medicine, and insurance, as well as the Thumbay Institute of Wellness offering comprehensive care plans and education. 
In terms of healthcare expansion, comprehensive Oncology Center has been launched in the first quarter of 2024, an advanced Cosmetology Center will be phased out too, and improved long-term care through integrated strategies between Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital and Thumbay University Hospital. Moreover, Thumbay Group aims to expand its global footprint by partnering with like-minded entities in various countries, reflecting a forward-looking strategy geared towards innovation, growth, and global impact.

A Diversified Portfolio

At Thumbay Group, “innovation is the key driver of growth,” and it has been the cornerstone of all business practices since our inception in 1997. Setting new standards in innovation is reflected in the strategic approach. Instead of merely responding to business requests or implementing random changes, the group has meticulously charted out individual brand pathways aligned with the corporate strategy of innovating for growth, with clearly defined and measurable outcomes.
The motto, “Growth through Innovation,” highlights Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s vision to enhancing existing capabilities, maintaining competitive advantage, and improving overall efficiency. This philosophy has been the driving force behind the remarkable success and dynamic growth over the years.
At Thumbay Group, innovation is not just a buzzword; it is deeply ingrained in their culture and guides every decision. Throughout the corporate strategy, the businesses have adopted a distributed model, combining shared services and dedicated resources to leverage mutual benefits. 
For instance, the first teaching hospital, Thumbay Hospital Ajman, was established to provide clinical training to medical students at Gulf Medical University. Subsequent businesses set up have contributed functionally and operationally, growing into individual entities. This approach nurtures business synergy and integration, cultivating a mutually supportive environment across your product and service lines. Each entity plays a role in supporting the overall corporate strategy, driving efficiency and effectiveness across the organization. The result is a cohesive structure that allows you to maximize the potential of each business while benefiting from collective resources and expertise.

Global Recognition and Accolades

Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s remarkable contributions have earned him global recognition and acclaim across various industries. From prestigious awards such as CEO of the Year – Education, to features in esteemed publications like Forbes Magazine and Arabian Business, his influence spans multi-sector domains. 
Notably, Dr. Moideen’s exceptional achievements were acknowledged with the ‘Gulf Karnataka Ratna’ Award, recognizing him as the No.1 NRI businessman from Karnataka. What sets Dr. Moideen apart is his unique distinction as the only Indian entrepreneur to own and operate the largest private medical university outside India.
As a visionary leader, Dr. Moideen’s impact goes beyond conventional boundaries, reshaping industries and empowering communities. His leadership at Thumbay Group continues to drive innovation and progress, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.