Changing of the guard: Gulf Medical University names new head and deputy head

Gulf Medical University (GMU) has announced significant changes in its leadership and ambitious expansion plans. The Board of Trustees has approved the appointments of Professor Dr Manda Venkatramana as the new chancellor and Professor Dr Hesham Marei as the vice chancellor for Academics.

In his new role, Professor Venkatramana plans to introduce new doctoral, master's, and bachelor's programs at GMU. These programs are designed to add value to society and align with the changing landscape of the healthcare system. The vice chancellor for Academics, Professor Marei, aims to strengthen quality assurance, embrace innovative teaching, and forge global partnerships that foster lifelong learning.

The leadership shift comes at a crucial moment as GMU accelerates its growth in education, research, and innovation. The university's commitment to sustainable development and strong performance across the SDGs has been underscored by its recognition in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Dr Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of Thumbay Group, associated with Gulf Medical University, stated that with the new leadership, GMU will excel to the next level. He also revealed that a dedicated research building is being planned for the future by GMU.

GMU remains the top choice for ambitious students seeking fields like Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and advanced postgraduate programs. Admissions for the 2025-26 academic year are closing soon, with only a few seats still available. Interested applicants can visit www.gmu.ac.ae for more information.

The university is also opening new academic pathways in emerging fields to remain a beacon of inclusive, high-quality education. The new tagline for GMU is "Where the World Comes to Learn" at the Finest Medical School in the Region.

Professor Venkatramana and Professor Marei are committed to driving GMU to greater heights. With these new initiatives, GMU is poised to continue its mission of providing world-class education and contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector.