In 1997, Dr. Thumbay Moideen arrived in the UAE with a vision, though not the blueprint, for what would become one of the region’s largest private medical universities. What he carried with him was a profound belief in the power of education and healthcare to shape economies. Today, as the Founder and President of Thumbay Group, Dr. Moideen looks back on a journey that turned one venture into a sprawling network across healthcare, education, research, retail, and hospitality, all centred around Gulf Medical University (GMU). This institution not only reshaped his career but also helped establish a new standard for higher education in the UAE.
Dr. Moideen’s achievement is particularly remarkable as he is the only Indian to own a private medical university in the Gulf, underlining the uniqueness of his journey. GMU, launched at a time when the concept of private medical education in the region was unprecedented, became a statement of what could be achieved with vision and determination.
Breaking Barriers in Education
When Dr. Moideen conceptualised GMU, the idea of a private medical school in the UAE seemed almost impossible. There were no regulatory frameworks, and the cultural and institutional resistance was significant. Even his well-wishers doubted the feasibility of such a project. However, Moideen’s belief in the power of education to transcend national and cultural boundaries was unwavering. He recalls, “My conviction in the purpose was far greater than the challenges in front of me.”
A crucial moment in this journey came when Dr. Moideen met the Ruler of Ajman, who, impressed with his idea, offered immediate support. This trust led to the establishment of GMU, marking the beginning of a new era for private higher education in the UAE. Early on, Dr. Moideen faced a number of obstacles, from regulatory issues to cultural sensitivities. In response, he innovated, such as by creating Ajman’s first private teaching hospital from a shopping mall within six months. His persistence paid off, as GMU began attracting students from diverse backgrounds, far beyond the Indian expatriate community he initially envisioned.
Innovation and Expansion
Under Dr. Moideen’s leadership, GMU has become the Gulf’s largest private medical university, with students from over 106 nationalities. It has evolved into a research-driven institution, offering dedicated grants of $3 million a year, with plans to increase this to $10 million. GMU’s academic health system integrates education, healthcare, and research. Additionally, the Thumbay College of Healthcare in AI, the first of its kind in the region, has set new standards by incorporating artificial intelligence into healthcare education.
Despite the success, Dr. Moideen’s core principles have remained unchanged: “Stay true to the purpose, never compromise on quality, and think long-term.” His leadership philosophy has been built on these values, with a focus on inspiring rather than directing, empowering specialists to act with autonomy, and ensuring that the vision of the group is always visible.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
Dr. Moideen’s journey has not been without sacrifices. The early years required immense personal dedication, with 18-hour days and frequent travel. He admits that time with his family was the biggest cost of his ambition. Yet, his family understood his purpose and supported him, making the long hours and missed celebrations worthwhile.
Resilience has been another hallmark of his leadership. Despite economic downturns and funding challenges, he has remained focused on the long-term vision. “Resilience lay in recalibrating priorities, safeguarding core strengths, and never letting short-term turbulence dictate long-term vision,” he explains.
A Global Vision
What stands out about Thumbay Group is its ability to expand across multiple sectors without losing sight of its foundational ethos of service. Whether in education, healthcare, retail, or hospitality, the group’s focus has always been on delivering excellence with empathy. Dr. Moideen sees “going global” not in terms of geographical expansion but in building a brand that embodies universal values like quality, integrity, and innovation.
Looking ahead, he envisions a truly global presence within the next five years. However, his ultimate legacy is not in the institutions he has built but in the lives he has touched. Whether through providing free healthcare, offering affordable education, or supporting community initiatives, the impact on people remains central to his mission.
As Dr. Moideen reflects on his journey, he hopes that future generations will remember him as a man who believed in turning dreams into institutions and a brand that stood for quality, integrity, and service to humanity. His greatest desire is to inspire others to dream bigger and work harder. For him, legacy is not measured in buildings but in the lives transformed, a sentiment that is clear in his concluding words: “I want my legacy to be about enabling dreams.”
Dr. Moideen’s story not only reshaped medical education in the UAE but has become a beacon of what can be achieved with a clear vision and unwavering conviction.
