Dr. Thumbay Moideen: From a Young Entrepreneur to a Global Healthcare Visionary
Ajman: From entering the world of business at the age of 19 to building one of the UAE’s prominent diversified business groups, Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s journey reflects vision, determination and a strong commitment to education and healthcare.
Born on March 23, 1957, in Mangaluru, Dr. Thumbay Moideen comes from a family with a long-standing business tradition. Inspired by his father Dr. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen and grandfather Yenepoya Moideen Kunhi, he took responsibility for the family business at a young age and gradually expanded its horizons.
In 1997, he established Thumbay Group in the UAE. Under his leadership, the group evolved into a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning medical education, healthcare, research, diagnostics, wellness, pharmacies, opticals, medical tourism, hospitality, real estate and publishing.
Over the years, Dr. Thumbay Moideen has emerged as a prominent figure in the UAE’s education and healthcare sectors. His initiatives have created employment opportunities for thousands of people while building institutions that serve communities across nationalities.
The group today employs more than 4,000 people, including doctors, professors, paramedics and technical professionals from several countries, and has developed a wide-ranging academic and healthcare ecosystem.
His journey stands as an example of how entrepreneurship, when combined with a commitment to society, can create institutions with a lasting impact.
Thumbay Group Builds a Major Legacy in Healthcare and Medical Education
Ajman: Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s vision for medical education and healthcare has transformed Thumbay Group into a major private academic healthcare network in the UAE.
A significant milestone in his journey was the establishment of Gulf Medical University, which emerged at a time when opportunities for students seeking private-sector medical education in the UAE were limited.
Today, Gulf Medical University has graduated more than 8,000 students, with alumni working across approximately 80 countries. The university attracts students from more than 86 nationalities and has developed a range of programmes in healthcare and medical sciences.
The Thumbay healthcare network has also expanded significantly. According to the group profile, its hospitals have treated and screened more than 19 million patients, with patients representing 175 nationalities. The group has also conducted more than 100,000 deliveries and over 20 million laboratory tests.
Thumbay Medicity in Al Jurf, Ajman, has become a major centre for medical education, healthcare and research. The campus includes Gulf Medical University, Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital, Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, Thumbay Labs and other healthcare facilities.
The group’s model integrates education, healthcare and research, allowing students to gain practical exposure while contributing to patient care.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s vision continues to focus on expanding medical education and healthcare while developing future-ready institutions in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, health technology and veterinary medicine.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s Philanthropic Initiatives Touch Thousands of Lives
Ajman: Alongside his achievements in business, education and healthcare, Dr. Thumbay Moideen has placed considerable emphasis on social responsibility and community welfare.
Through Thumbay Foundation and various group initiatives, support has been provided to students, patients, employees and communities in need.
The Thumbay Foundation was established to assist economically deserving students in pursuing higher education in the UAE and India. According to the group profile, scholarships worth more than AED 60 million have been provided cumulatively over the past decade.
Thumbay Group has also organized more than 75 health camps, benefiting over 250,000 people through free medical consultations and medicines. The reported value of these initiatives is approximately AED 1.5 million.
The group has donated more than AED 4 million to various associations over the past decade and has undertaken employee welfare initiatives amounting to around AED 3 million.
Another landmark initiative was the construction of Thumbay Moideen Mosque on the Gulf Medical University campus, an investment of approximately AED 2 million.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Thumbay Group, in association with Beary’s Cultural Forum, also organized a chartered flight to assist stranded Indians in returning home.
These initiatives reflect Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s belief that business success should be accompanied by social responsibility and community service.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen Honoured with Prestigious National and International Recognitions
Ajman: Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s contributions to medical education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and research have earned him numerous awards and academic honours in India, the UAE and internationally.
Among his recent recognitions is the New Year Award 2026 from the Academy of General Education, Manipal, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education and the Dr. TMA Pai Foundation, recognizing his global contributions to education, healthcare and research.
He has also received a Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) Honoris Causa from Chitkara University for leadership in medical education, healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. Other honorary doctorates have been conferred by institutions including Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health in Uzbekistan and Mangalore University.
In 2024, the Government of Karnataka honoured him with the prestigious Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award for his contributions to medical education, healthcare and research in the Gulf region.
He has also been recognised with the Gulf Karnataka Ratna Award and the Global Business Icon 2025 award, among several other honours.
His achievements have attracted international media attention as well. He has been featured in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Healthcare Leaders and has appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine.
These recognitions reflect the impact of his work across education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development.
Thumbay Group Charts Ambitious Future in AI, Healthcare Technology and Longevity Medicine
Ajman: With nearly three decades of growth in education and healthcare, Thumbay Group is entering a new phase focused on innovation, advanced medical education and future-ready healthcare.
The group’s roadmap includes expanding Gulf Medical University into a multi-city academic network and launching new colleges in Artificial Intelligence and Health Technology and Veterinary Medicine.
A next-generation Simulation and Training Center is also planned to strengthen practical learning and prepare healthcare professionals for evolving industry requirements.
On the healthcare side, the group plans to establish a dedicated Psychiatry Hospital and a Veterinary Hospital while continuing to expand its hospital network.
Thumbay Group is also exploring the emerging field of longevity medicine. Through a partnership with Switzerland’s Geneva College of Longevity Science, the group aims to develop preventive, precision and healthy-ageing solutions.
The planned Thumbay Institute of Longevity Medicine is intended to support the development of healthcare professionals for a new era of personalised and regenerative care.
With education, research, technology and healthcare at the centre of its strategy, Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s vision is to position the UAE as a leading global hub for advanced healthcare innovation.
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