Manipal: Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of the Thumbay Group, Dubai, has been conferred the New Year Award 2026 in recognition of his global contributions to education, healthcare, and research. The award is jointly instituted by the Academy of General Education, Manipal, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), MEMG India Pvt. Ltd., Manipal Media Network Ltd., and the Dr TMA Pai Foundation.
The New Year Award honours distinguished personalities who have made exceptional contributions to society and community development. It specifically recognises individuals connected to the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada whose leadership has created a lasting impact in the fields of education, healthcare, and social development.
Recognition for institution building and global impact
Dr Thumbay Moideen was selected for the award in recognition of his visionary role in building one of the region’s most integrated global ecosystems spanning healthcare delivery, medical education, research, diagnostics, and community service. Since establishing the Thumbay Group in 1997, he has focused on expanding access to quality healthcare and education through international collaboration and institution building.
From founding Gulf Medical University to developing a global network of academic hospitals and healthcare institutions, his work has consistently emphasised affordability, academic excellence, and research-driven healthcare.
A global voice from coastal Karnataka
Widely regarded as one of the most prominent Non-Resident Indians in the Gulf region, Dr Thumbay Moideen has emerged as a respected global representative of the Beary community and a leading Muslim entrepreneur and educationist on the international stage. His journey from coastal Karnataka to establishing institutions across the Middle East and beyond is often cited as a powerful example of diaspora leadership rooted in service, values, and social responsibility.
Through the Thumbay Group, he has helped create platforms for thousands of healthcare professionals, researchers, and students representing over 111 nationalities, fostering cross-cultural academic exchange and strengthening healthcare systems in multiple regions.
Acceptance remarks underline collective effort
Accepting the honour, Dr Thumbay Moideen expressed gratitude to the institutions behind the award and reflected on the deeper meaning of the recognition.
“This recognition from institutions that have shaped generations of professionals is deeply meaningful to me. Manipal has always stood for knowledge with purpose. I see this award not as a personal milestone, but as a reflection of what committed teams and value-driven institutions can build together for society,” he said.
His remarks underscored a long-held belief that sustainable impact is achieved through collective effort, ethical leadership, and institutions driven by social purpose.
Strengthening education, healthcare, and research
Over the past few decades, Dr Thumbay Moideen has overseen the expansion of the Thumbay Group into a multi-sector organisation with a strong focus on academic medicine, research-led healthcare, and global education. His initiatives have strengthened medical training, improved access to quality care, and encouraged collaboration between institutions across borders.
Observers note that his model of integrating education, research, and clinical practice has contributed to building resilient healthcare ecosystems, particularly in emerging regions.
Award adds to growing list of honours
The New Year Award 2026 adds to a growing list of national and international recognitions acknowledging Dr Thumbay Moideen’s contributions to institution building, healthcare advancement, and community-oriented leadership. Organisers said the award reflects not only individual achievement but also the broader impact of institutions that serve society at scale.
The honour was described as especially significant given its roots in Manipal, a centre long associated with excellence in education and healthcare, and its focus on recognising leaders who have carried the region’s values onto the global stage.