India- November 2024- Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder and president of Thumbay Group, has been honoured with the Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award for 2024 in recognition of his significant contributions to the fields of medical education, healthcare, and research in the Gulf region. The award, presented by the Indian state, Karnataka Government, is one of the highest civilian honours, acknowledging individuals who have made exceptional contributions across various sectors, including medicine, education, and social service.
Dr. Moideen, originally from Mangaluru, has built a strong reputation in the UAE and internationally for his leadership and vision. In 1997, he founded Thumbay Group, which has since grown into a prominent organization with a diverse portfolio across 26 sectors, including healthcare, education, and retail. His most notable achievement is the establishment of Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman in 1998, which has become one of the region’s leading institutions in medical education. The university has played a major role in shaping the UAE’s healthcare workforce, with approximately 60% of the country’s healthcare professionals being GMU graduates.
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Reflecting on the honour, Dr Moideen expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is truly an honour to receive the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and I am grateful for the government’s acknowledgement. Over the years, my top priorities have always been contributing to the noble cause of training medical professionals, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for everyone, and advancing research in this field. This honour confirms my commitment to community service and recognizes the efforts of my team and everyone who shares our vision. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on education, healthcare and research, and we remain dedicated to innovation and community welfare.”
Under Dr. Moideen’s leadership, Thumbay Group has expanded its presence in the UAE, operating more than 110 facilities across the country. The group’s hospitals and clinics have served over 11 million patients, and it has graduated more than 5,000 students from 102 countries. Notable initiatives include Healthvarsity, an online education platform, and the Thumbay Institute of AI in Healthcare, which focuses on training professionals in clinical AI applications.
Moreover, Various organizations have widely recognized Dr. Moideen’s achievements, awarding him an honorary doctorate from Mangalore University in 2024 and the ‘Vishwa Manya’ award from the Maharaja of Mysore in 2022. His leadership continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals.
