In 1997 when Thumbay Moideen, an Indian entrepreneur based in Dubai, had a chance encounter that would set in motion a unique venture in private healthcare education across the Gulf region. While in the UAE, on his way to Africa, Moideen had a chance meeting with Ajman ruler Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.
During their discussion, Sheikh Humaid took interest in Moideen’s ambitions to start an educational institution in the UAE. At the time, all medical schools and teaching hospitals were under governmental control with no private options available. Seeing an opportunity to fill this gap, Moideen shared his vision to establish the first private medical university and academic healthcare group in the country. The initial meeting ended with an invitation from Sheikh to establish a medical university in the emirate.
With the backing of Dubai’s top business leader, Moideen wasted no time in launching his healthcare education venture. In 1997, he established the nucleus of what would become the Thumbay Group – a diversified international conglomerate headquartered in Dubai. Starting small with just a few initial colleges, Moideen has since transformed Thumbay into the largest private academic medical group across the Gulf region.
Today, Thumbay Group’s flagship institution, Gulf Medical University (GMU), educates over 4,000 students from 95 countries through its eight specialised colleges. Alongside, Thumbay operates a network of seven large hospitals with a total bed capacity exceeding 650 beds, where clinical training is meticulously integrated with patient care delivery. After 25 years of consistent growth as the UAE’s pioneering private healthcare educator, Moideen has his sights set even higher with regional expansion plans and a long-term vision of continual innovation.
When asked about Thumbay’s approach over the past quarter century, Moideen emphasises the group’s education-first philosophy underlies everything. “Medical University came before any hospital or clinic. Our focus has always been on training the next generation of healthcare professionals first using an integrated model,” he explains.
This integrated approach is a defining hallmark of Thumbay’s success. Rather than operating hospitals and educational institutions independently, the group has fused clinical training seamlessly into daily operations. “All our doctors are designated as professors and actively teach students alongside treating patients,” notes Moideen. Students thus gain hands-on experience under the guidance of expert physicians in modern facilities.
By strategically establishing GMU’s colleges based on market needs analyses, Thumbay also ensures a perpetual pipeline of qualified talent for its growing number of teaching hospitals. The first colleges launched in 1997 focused on producing nurses, doctors, dentists and other in-demand roles. Today, specialised programmes include Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Healthcare Management among others.
Two new colleges are also in development, centred on high-growth areas of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare as well as Veterinary Sciences. “We study market requirements and develop targeted colleges accordingly so our graduates find placements easily,” says Moideen. This education-led vertical integration has sustained over 25 years of expansion, originating from only a handful of initial colleges.
Facing Adversity
No business is immune to unforeseen challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic severely tested global healthcare systems. However, Thumbay reacted swiftly, leveraging the crisis to strengthen its position. “We were the first in the UAE to offer COVID testing and treatments. It helped many, and also aided our business sustainability,” recalls Moideen with pride.
Beyond clinical support, Thumbay assisted national authorities by converting one hospital into a dedicated COVID facility. The group further accepted long-term patients relocated by Dubai Health Authority to ease overburdened facilities. Through these efforts, Thumbay gained invaluable experience while cementing trust with stakeholders.
Perhaps the biggest lesson learned was a reaffirmed need for scalable healthcare access. Thumbay invested early in telemedicine and online learning platforms to democratise quality education. “We realised during lockdowns that virtual care and training are the future. It was a natural transition,” remarks Moideen.
Expanding Horizons
After establishing the integrated academic healthcare model within the UAE, Thumbay is primed to introduce this pioneering approach regionally. A massive potential market high on the group’s agenda is neighbouring Saudi Arabia with a population exceeding 35 million.
“Saudi presents tremendous scope due to recent reforms and demand for quality education and healthcare services. We aim to establish there through strategic partnerships,” outlines Moideen. While catering primarily to Saudi nationals unlike in the UAE, Thumbay’s time-tested systems and local credibility provide unique value.
Rather than heavy capital investments, Thumbay will look to licence qualified partners and selectively franchise its brands within KSA. “This model allows spreading our standards efficiently while mitigating risks for all parties,” notes Moideen. Simultaneously, the group is exploring opportunities in other high-growth GCC nations depending on regulatory environments and cooperation possibilities.
All expansion activities align with Thumbay’s ‘Vision 2028’ targets, including scaling current operations -fold across priority regions. Methodical market studies, relationship-building and customised entry strategies will thus characterise Moideen’s Saudi ambitions over the coming years.
Navigating the Private Sector
Operating entirely privately without governmental backing is no easy feat, especially within sensitive industries like healthcare and education. However, Thumbay has proven this model can thrive sustainably for over 25 years through nuanced balancing of objectives.
Higher costs from clinical training and research activities are offset via efficiencies compared to less integrated public equivalents. “Our unique services commanded premium pricing without compromising standards,” said Moideen. Surpluses generated also sustain community outreach, as Thumbay covers indigent patients’ medical bills regularly.
By prioritising constant skills enhancement for teaching staff through global collaborations and conferences, Thumbay ensures personal growth which boosts staff retention critically. Doctors appreciate “wearing two hats” of work and instruction within stimulating academic environments, allowing them to teach while practicing.
Continual Innovation
As Thumbay approaches its silver jubilee, Moideen remains unrelenting in his drive for innovation. Under his leadership, the group rose to prominence introducing industry firsts unreplicated until today. Ongoing R&D will likewise cement Thumbay’s stature internationally through customised solutions.
From pioneering the region’s only private medical school and teaching hospitals in 1997 to ambitious new programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Telehealth, Thumbay scores consistent pioneering feats. Moideen attributes this to fostering an entrepreneurial culture comfortable taking calculated risks. “We pursued our dreams without precedents and overcame many challenges through perseverance,” he remarks.
On succession, Moideen expressed openness if family chooses continuity, else capable leaders will steer Thumbay’s promising trajectory. The group is managed via robust governance ensuring smooth transitions upholding endurance. Core values centred on excellence in academic medicine, community service and sustainable development will persevere.
As the largest private healthcare education conglomerate in the Gulf after a quarter century, Moideen’s success as a leader is without question. Through vision and grit, an Indian entrepreneur conceptualised a novel model empowering thousands annually with distinguished careers. Regional facilities and populations benefit immensely from world-class education and services constantly pushing boundaries. However, with audacious dreams still on the table, Thumbay’s journey of innovation is only beginning.
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