GMU academic team
The GMU academic team

Building upon a successful track record, Gulf Medical University - owned and managed by Thumbay Group - has been honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Research award by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHP). As one of the UAE's leading institution in health professions education, it has also been recognised among the country’s top 10 universities for health research, which attests to its academic brilliance and cutting-edge contributions to healthcare.

The National Center for Health Research, in collaboration with Elsevier Publishing Research Company, conducted a thorough study on the state of health research in the UAE for the period of 2017–2022, as part of the Ministry of Health and Prevention's initiatives to support excellence in the field of health and medical research throughout the UAE. The evaluation of numerous universities around the nation revealed that Gulf Medical University stood out for its commitment, innovation, and major advancements in contributions to health research.

With a relentless pursuit for excellence, Gulf Medical University has made remarkable strides in medical sciences research, contributing to the understanding of diseases, treatment modalities, and preventative measures. The university's researchers have published studies in esteemed medical journals, enriching the medical community's knowledge and improving patient outcomes.

Professor Hossam Hamdy, chancellor, Gulf Medical University, expressing his gratitude for the prestigious recognition, states, "We are deeply honoured to receive the Excellence in Research award from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, researchers, and students who have relentlessly pursued excellence in the field of health research."

At the forefront of innovative medical research, Gulf Medical University in collaboration with Thumbay Institute of Precision Medicine (TRIPM), has been spearheading studies on personalised precision medicine programmes. Utilising Zebrafish avatars to treat cancer, several programmes conducted at the university have shown promising potential in reducing the trial-and-error response for oncology medicine, while simultaneously preserving organ function and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.

The university's commitment to innovative research has been driving advancements in cancer treatment, bringing hope to those in need of more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches.

Speaking about the encouragement provided to students and faculty alike to create a research-led ecosystem, Professor Salem Chouaib, director of the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, says, “At Gulf Medical University, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and research, and this recognition motivates us to continue our pursuit of advancing healthcare knowledge for the betterment of society.

"Our committed researchers are encouraged by state-of-the-art infrastructure and a collaborative environment to pursue discoveries that have the potential to change patient healthcare and enhance global health outcomes. This distinction reflects the profound influence our research has had on the local and global health care landscape.”

In the last 24 years, more than 3,000 students have graduated from the university. These graduates have advanced their careers and landed successful positions, such as CEOs, COOs, Medical Directors, and Heads of Department in the healthcare and research sectors across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Additionally, the Gulf Medical University’s graduates are recognised internationally and have access to employment thanks to the university's partnerships with more than 70 foreign universities and research institutions.