GMU begins 2026–27 academic year, reaffirms commitment to health professions education

GMU begins 2026–27 academic year, reaffirms commitment to health professions education

Mangalore Today News Network

Ajman, September 8, 2026: Gulf Medical University (GMU) officially commenced the 2026–27 academic year on August 31, welcoming students and faculty for a new year focused on academic excellence, research, innovation and advancements in health professions education.

The campus witnessed a strong influx of students as new and returning learners began their academic journey, reflecting continued demand for GMU’s health professions programmes.

“As we welcome our students and faculty to 2026–27, our focus remains firmly on advancing academic excellence, strengthening research and innovation, and preparing healthcare professionals equipped to meet the changing needs of communities locally and globally,” said Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University.

He added that recent international recognitions had reaffirmed the quality of work at GMU while also setting higher benchmarks for the university’s future aspirations.

The new academic year marks another phase in GMU’s growth as a medical and health sciences university in the UAE and the region. Founded in 1998 by Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, the institution has evolved from Gulf Medical College into a comprehensive academic health system integrating education, healthcare and research.

The commencement was marked by meetings and interactions involving the university leadership, deans and heads of constituent colleges to establish priorities and plans for the year ahead. Dr Thumbay Moideen met with the college deans, while the Vice Chancellor and college heads reviewed academic strategies for the new academic year.

During 2026–27, GMU will focus on strengthening advanced healthcare sciences and foundational medical education, while expanding its work in digital health, interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation.

The university enters the new academic year following significant international recognition. In June 2026, GMU received institutional accreditation from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) following a comprehensive international quality review. The accreditation is valid until 2031, with the review confirming that GMU met all 10 European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area without conditions.

GMU also maintained its position in the global 301–400 band in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026. It recorded notable results in several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ranking 23rd globally for Reduced Inequalities, 60th for Quality Education and 64th for Good Health and Well-being.

The university currently operates seven colleges covering Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, Healthcare Management and Economics, and the Thumbay College of Management and AI in Healthcare.

GMU offers 45 accredited programmes and has produced more than 5,000 graduates, with students representing over 111 nationalities and faculty members from 56 countries. Clinical training is supported by more than 3,100 training beds across seven academic hospitals owned by Thumbay Group, along with partnerships with more than 75 international universities.

GMU describes itself as the region’s only private academic health system integrating education, healthcare and research. It was also ranked first among UAE universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Good Health and Well-being.

As students return to campus and a new cohort begins its journey in health professions education, GMU said it remains committed to providing an environment that enables future healthcare professionals to learn, innovate and contribute meaningfully to communities locally and globally.