Ajman, UAE: His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, visited Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, highlighting the growing role of healthcare, medical education and health tourism in the UAE’s diversified, knowledge-driven economy.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri was received by Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of Thumbay Group, along with Mr Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President – Healthcare Division, and senior members of the Group’s academic and clinical leadership.

Minister highlights UAE’s health tourism ambitions

During the visit, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the growing global importance of medical and longevity tourism and the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and capabilities in the sector.

He noted that the development of health and wellness tourism is helping attract patients and visitors from different markets while contributing to the competitiveness of the country’s tourism sector.

He also highlighted the role of private-sector institutions such as Thumbay Group in supporting the UAE’s medical and longevity tourism ecosystem and strengthening the country’s position as a destination for international patients, students and talent.

According to H.E. Bin Touq, Thumbay Group has become a destination for students from more than 111 countries and patients from across the region. He noted that institutions such as Thumbay Medicity contribute to specialised healthcare and education services while supporting innovation and international engagement.

Tour of Gulf Medical University and hospitals

During his visit, H.E. Bin Touq toured Gulf Medical University (GMU) and the academic hospitals located within Thumbay Medicity.

The tour included Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital, and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Minister was briefed on the integrated model of Thumbay Medicity, where medical education, patient care and research operate alongside one another.

He was also briefed on the journey of Gulf Medical University since its establishment in 1998. The university today attracts students from more than 111 countries, giving it a highly diverse international student community.

Focus on healthcare, education and investment

The discussions during the visit focused on the contribution of private-sector healthcare and academic institutions to the UAE’s economy.

The interaction also highlighted the country’s emergence as a destination for health and wellness tourism and the role of institutions such as Thumbay Medicity in attracting international patients, students and investment.

The integrated healthcare and education model at Thumbay Medicity brings together academic programmes, clinical services and research activities, creating opportunities for interaction between students, healthcare professionals and researchers.

Dr Thumbay Moideen welcomes ministerial visit

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Thumbay Moideen said it was a privilege to welcome H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri to Thumbay Medicity.

Dr Moideen recalled the establishment of Gulf Medical University in 1998 and said the vision was to build institutions that would educate doctors, provide healthcare and advance research.

He described the Minister’s visit as recognition of the growth of that vision and of the increasing role of healthcare and medical education in supporting the UAE’s tourism ambitions.

Dr Moideen also reaffirmed Thumbay Group’s support for the UAE’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for health tourism and knowledge-based industries.

Minister reviews research and innovation initiatives

The visit concluded with H.E. Bin Touq touring the research and innovation facilities at Thumbay Medicity. He reviewed key projects and initiatives being undertaken in the area of research and innovation.

The Minister also interacted with faculty members, clinicians and students and heard about their experiences and perspectives on the educational and research environment at Thumbay Medicity.

The visit highlighted the growing intersection of healthcare, medical education, research, tourism and economic development in the UAE, while showcasing Thumbay Medicity’s integrated approach to these sectors.

Excerpt

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri visited Thumbay Medicity in Ajman and toured its university and academic hospitals.