Thumbay Research Grant awarded to 14 projects

Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, celebrated the outstanding success of the inaugural Thumbay International Research Grant (TIRG) at a grand award ceremony, coinciding with GMU’s Annual Research Day.

The groundbreaking initiative, supported by Thumbay Group UAE, attracted global attention for its mission to drive impactful healthcare research through international collaboration and innovation.

Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, was the Chief Guest and was reprasented by Dr. Sheikh Majeed Bin Saeed Al Nauimi, Chairman Ruler's Court who personally awarded the research grants to the winners.

With an initial funding pool of Dhs3 million, the grant was designed to support pioneering projects in key areas such as Precision Medicine, Drug Discovery and Cancer Immunology, Population Health related to Diabetes, Healthy Aging and Regenerative Medicine, AI, Informatics and Digital Transformation in Healthcare Management and Health Economics, and Innovation in Health Professions Education.

Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder of Gulf Medical University and President of Thumbay Group, reiterated the vision behind this initiative: “We launched this grant to transform Gulf Medical University into a hub for Research.” He further announced that the total research grant will reach up to Dhs10 million after three years, reinforcing the long-term commitment of fostering research excellence.

Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, commented: “The grant has made an inspiring start, and the diversity and quality of submissions reflect GMU’s growing global reputation. We are proud to support research that has the potential to transform healthcare and elevate lives.”

The TIRG initiative continues to underscore GMU’s dedication to building international research partnerships and promoting a culture of innovation. It offers researchers across the globe a chance to collaborate with GMU’s academic community, cementing the university’s role as a regional leader in medical education and research.

Prof. Saleem Chouib, Vice Chancellor – Research, Gulf Medical University, added, “The quality and originality of the selected research projects are truly exceptional, showcasing the innovative spirit of global academia. The Thumbay International Research Grant is a powerful catalyst for groundbreaking research and international collaboration.”

Institutes selected for the Thumbay International Research Grant 2025 included Harvard Medical School, Boston; University of Arizona, University of Waterloo, Canada; Regensburg University, Germany; Policlinico Ospedali Riuniti, Italy; Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands; Lebanese University, Lebanon; Beirut Arab University, Lebanon; Alexandria University, Egypt; RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE; Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE; Ajman University, UAE; University of Sharjah, UAE and Al Ain University, UAE.

Recently, in a landmark event for the healthcare and digital industries, Thumbay Healthcare hosted ‘Medfluence 2025’, the first-ever Healthcare Influencers Meet in the UAE.

The event, held at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman, brought together 250 healthcare professionals, social media influencers, and digital strategists, reaching an impressive 25 million people worldwide.

By bridging the gap between medical expertise and digital influence, Medfluence 2025 underscored the transformative role of social media in modern healthcare, empowering professionals to educate, engage, and inspire healthier communities.

Medfluence 2025 was designed as a first-of-its-kind initiative, providing healthcare professionals with insights into how digital platforms can enhance medical branding, combat misinformation, and improve patient engagement.

With interactive panel discussions, fireside chats, and keynote addresses from global healthcare leaders and influencers, the event redefined the way the medical community interacts with digital media.

The conference was inaugurated with an inspiring keynote speech by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President and the visionary behind Thumbay Group.

He emphasised the need for healthcare professionals to embrace social media as a tool for education and outreach.

This was followed by keynote addresses from Maz Hakim, Dr. Hasia, and media entrepreneur Jumana Khan and Mahdi Shafiei, who discussed the evolving landscape of digital healthcare communication.

Throughout the day, various expert-led panel discussions and fireside chats explored different aspects of digital influence in medicine and wellness. These included:

• Dentistry & Social Media – A discussion on how social media platforms are reshaping patient awareness and dental branding.

• Rehabilitation & Digital Engagement – The impact of online communities in supporting patients through physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

• Healthcare & AI – Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in digital healthcare strategies.

• Aesthetics & Anti-Aging– Understanding the power of social media in shaping the cosmetic and dermatology industry.