Gulf Medical University begins 2026-27 academic year

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Dubai: Gulf Medical University (GMU) began its 2026-27 academic year on August 31, with students and faculty returning to campus amid a focus on academic excellence, research and innovation in health professions education.

Chancellor Prof Manda Venkatramana said the university would focus on preparing healthcare professionals to meet the changing needs of communities in the UAE and globally. The academic year will emphasise advanced healthcare sciences, foundational medical education, digital health, interdisciplinary learning and research.

The university’s leadership, deans and college heads reviewed academic priorities and plans for the year during the opening.

The new academic year follows significant international recognition for GMU. In June 2026, the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education granted the university institutional accreditation until 2031 after a comprehensive quality review. GMU met all 10 European Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area without conditions.

In the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, GMU retained its global 301-400 band. It ranked 23rd globally for Reduced Inequalities, 60th for Quality Education and 64th for Good Health and Well-being.

Founded in 1998 by Thumbay Group Founder President Dr Thumbay Moideen, GMU now has seven colleges, 45 accredited programmes and more than 5,000 graduates. Its students represent over 111 nationalities, while faculty come from 56 countries.

The university has seven academic hospitals with more than 3,100 training beds and partnerships with over 75 international universities.