Dr Thumbay Moideen

Dr Thumbay Moideen, who hails from Mangalore, India, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey after an encounter with a member of Ajman’s royal family, who was seeking innovative ideas to boost the emirate’s economy.

Since founding Thumbay Group in 1997, the healthcare solutions provider has expanded significantly, evolving from the UAE’s first private medical institute into a well-established conglomerate headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

He established Gulf Medical University, the group’s flagship institution, which has grown exponentially with its network of teaching hospitals, medical centres and clinics. Today, nearly 60 per cent of the UAE’s healthcare professionals — including doctors, nurses, dentists, and physiotherapists — are alumni of the institution. It is recognised as an academic health system for its excellence in healthcare, education, and research.

A diversified portfolio

At the core of Thumbay Group’s success is its extensive expansion and diversified service portfolio. The group has ventured into 26 different segments, including the UAE’s largest private academic hospital network, a medical university, clinics, daycare centres, laboratories, pharmacies, and hospitality services such as health clubs, coffee shops, optical shops, and flower shops.

With over 110 touchpoints across the seven emirates and partnerships with more than 70 global institutions, the conglomerate has made significant strides in medical education, healthcare and research.

Under Moideen’s stewardship, Thumbay Group’s healthcare arm has treated more than 11 million patients, and the university has graduated over 4,000 students from 102 nationalities. Notable initiatives like Healthvarsity and the Thumbay Institute of AI in Healthcare highlight the university’s pioneering role in edtech and clinical AI training.

Vision 2028

Thumbay Group aims to introduce several new institutes and expand its global presence by franchising Thumbay Healthcare into markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other GCC countries as part of its Vision 2028 growth strategy.

Gulf Medical University will continue to innovate with new degree programs and the 2024 Pathway in Medicine, forging international partnerships. Planned initiatives include the Thumbay Institute of Veterinary Sciences, the Thumbay Institute of Autism and the integration of alternative medicine.

The group healthcare division also plans to establish a comprehensive oncology centre and an advanced cosmetology centre while enhancing long-term care through an integrated strategy between Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital and Thumbay University Hospital, the largest hospital for physiotherapy.

Global recognition

Dr Moideen’s illustrious career has earned him global acclaim. He was honoured with an honorary doctorate by Mangalore University in 2024.

Earlier, in 2022, he was recognised with the ‘Vishwa Manya’ award from the Maharaja of Mysore. His impressive achievements also include being named CEO of the Year in Education and receiving the ‘Gulf Karnataka Ratna Award’ as the top NRI businessman from Karnataka.