Ruler of Sharjah opens Sharjah FDI Forum, founder of Thumbay group delivers keynote address on healthcare sector
UAE: Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, opened the second edition of the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum on Wednesday 28, September 2016. The event, which was held at Sharjah’s Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, highlighted the emirate’s unique logistical and geographical reputation in the UAE, its maritime expertise, high-speed international connectivity and a growing population base.
In his opening remarks, Dr Shaikh Sultan said, “Foreign direct investment helps not only to build wealth in economic terms, but also assists in developing a country’s culture, art and literature. We want an economy that contributes to building a society and culture that strengthens ties within it. This culture can create a balance between one’s identity and society at large.”
To elaborate on the changing dynamics of the healthcare industry, Thumbay Moideen, founder president of the Thumbay Group, was invited to deliver the keynote address. Moideen, who was one of the chief guests at the inaugural function at the seminar, shared his pearls of wisdom on how innovation can help in establishing and successfully sustaining a private medical university.
“I am honored to be invited as a keynote speaker at the Sharjah FDI forum. On the whole, healthcare industry continues to evolve in innovative ways and has an incredible potential to revolutionize our lives. Thumbay Group looks forward to supporting this sector across UAE and am pleased to share my insights on how innovations are expanding the healthcare industry’s access to quality care and driving positive impact at an extraordinary speed,” Moideen said at the seminar.
The two-day event is organized by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, which will feature over 30 industry-led discussion panels, interviews and addresses over the next two days. The forum, brought together more than 300 government officials, financial experts and businessmen from around the world, serving as a thought-leadership platform to exchange knowledge and expertise on trends and developments in foreign direct investment across the UAE.
About Thumbay Group:
Thumbay Group traces back its origin in 1998 when ThumbayMoideen, a Non-Resident Indian entrepreneur, found a gap in healthcare education and set up the region’s first private medical institution – Gulf Medical College – in Ajman. He later added new businesses to support the healthcare education and healthcare services. The multi-billion dollar diversified conglomerate, which currently owns more than 20 companies across various economic verticals, has 5,000 professional on the payroll.
Thumbay Group aims to expand internationally, creating a global presence. By 2020, the company aims to develop 420 establishments including three new university campuses in three countries, develop an Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine Hospital and College; as many as 15 new Thumbay Academic Hospitals in UAE and other countries; 100 Thumbay Pharmacy outlets; 25 Thumbay Labs; 100 Blends and Brews Coffee Shops; 25 Body and Soul Health Club outlets; 100 ZO and MO Opticals outlets; 50 Nutri Plus Vita outlets.
By 2020, the group expects to have a workforce of 15,000 employees on the payroll. By then, Thumbay Group business is likely to be valued at US$3 billion (Dh11 billion).
