UAE: The 12th Annual Convocation of the Gulf Medical University (GMU), the leading private medical university owned and operated by Thumbay Group – UAE, was held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, 9 December 2015, at the Emirates Hospitality Centre in Al Jurf – Ajman. The function was graced by the honored presence of the chief guest, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Supreme Council, UAE and Ruler of Ajman.
The grand event was also honoured by the distinguished presence of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development – Government of UAE, and the members of the Ruling Family of Ajman. Ramanath Rai, Minister for Forest, Environment & Ecology, Govt of Karnataka – India and U T Khader, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Karnataka – India were the special guests. Ministers, Ambassadors and Consuls of various countries were present at the function.
Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of the Board of Governors of Gulf Medical University, presided over the function. Prof. Gita Ashok Raj – Provost of GMU, the deans and faculty of the colleges of GMU and the members of the administrative team of Thumbay Group were also present. With the participation of many guests including friends and families of the graduates as well as the students and staff members of GMU, the convocation was a truly momentous occasion for the university.
Of the 113 students from 23 different countries who graduated from GMU this year, 25 graduates belonged to the College of Dentistry (DMD course), 18 were from the College of Allied Health Sciences (BPT course), 14 belonged to the College of Pharmacy (Pharm.D course), 44 from the College of Medicine (MBBS course) and 12 from the College of Graduate Studies (Post Graduate courses in Clinical Pathology, Toxicology, Public Health).
The graduates received their certificates from Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. He also gave away the ‘Best Outgoing Student’ awards to Dr. Zubeda Mohiddin (MBBS course), Nemat Fatima Abbas Muljiani (BPT course), Dr. Sahba Jalali (Pharm D course) and Dr. Shadan Fatima Mohammed Rasheedudduin (DMD course).
Addressing the gathering, Thumbay Moideen congratulated the successful graduates on the solemn occasion. While commending the graduates on their excellence in academics, he wished them continued success and assured all support whenever required. “May I remind you, my beloved students, that you are the Ambassadors of this Institution and you must live up to the values and ideals of your alma mater,” he added.
Thanking Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi for his leadership, Thumbay Moideen also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of Supreme Council – UAE and Ruler of Ajman, for his constant and invaluable support to the university. He also thanked the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) for their extensive support and guidance for the university’s success, and acknowledged the invaluable support rendered by the Ministry of Health, Mafraq Hospital to the students of GMU, in their clinical trainings.
Prof. Gita Ashok Raj administered the graduation oath to the new graduates. Addressing the graduates, she said, “Remember to stay in touch and share your successes to inspire the next generations of students at your alma mater, as you continue to chase your dreams.” She also thanked all the hospitals and medical centers in UAE who participated in the clinical training of the new graduates.
In the course of their studies, the students had completed their clinical/summer trainings at high-profile healthcare facilities such as Thumbay Hospital – Dubai, GMC Hospital – Ajman, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital – Ajman, Al Mafraq Hospital – Abu Dhabi, RAK Medical District Facilities – Ras Al Khaimah, Al Baraha Hospital – Dubai, etc., as well as in leading hospitals abroad, such as King Fahad Hospital of the University – Saudi Arabia, Salmanya Hospital – Bahrain, National Hospital – Nigeria, Sheikh Zayed Hospital – Pakistan, Semmelweis University – Hungary, Aga Khan University – Pakistan, Tan Tock Seng Hospital – Singapore, etc.
The new graduates will now be part of GMU’s well-organised alumni network of highly placed healthcare professionals pursuing high-flying careers in the UAE as well as outside the country, especially in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the neighboring GCC countries.
The function also honored special guests Ramanath Rai, Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology – Govt of Karnataka, India and U T Khader, Minister for Health and Family Welfare – Govt of Karnataka, India.
Dalia Mahmoud Murshed Al Otti, President of GMU Student Council, spoke on behalf of the graduates and thanked the management and academic leadership for their constant support and encouragement throughout their study at the university. As the graduation ceremony concluded, GMU once again held its head high, with renewed vigor to power its journey ahead.
