Ajman, UAE: The Board of Trustees of Gulf Medical University (GMU) has approved and announced the appointment of Prof. Manda Venkatramana as Chancellor and Prof. Hesham Marei as Vice Chancellor – Academics, marking a significant leadership transition at the institution. According to the press release issued by GMU, this leadership shift comes at a crucial time as the university accelerates its growth in education, research, and innovation.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, welcomed the appointments and said, “With Prof. Manda and Prof. Hesham stepping into these roles, we are confident GMU will excel to the next level. Soon, we will be laying the foundation for a dedicated research building, and I am pleased to announce our new tagline – ‘Where the World Comes to Learn’ – at the finest medical school in the region.”
According to the release, Prof. (Dr.) Manda Venkatramana, the newly appointed Chancellor, outlined his vision for the future, stating, “We intend to introduce innovative new doctoral, master's, and bachelor's programs that will add value to society and align with the changing healthcare landscape. Together with massive infrastructure expansion, including a standalone research wing, the best is yet to come for Gulf Medical University.”
Prof. Dr. Hesham Marei, taking charge as Vice Chancellor – Academics, emphasized GMU’s commitment to academic excellence, saying, “With the privilege of serving as Vice Chancellor for Academics, we are committed to building on GMU’s strong momentum and driving it to greater heights. Our recognition in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings—honoring GMU’s commitment to sustainable development and strong performance across the SDGs—highlights the solid foundation we stand on. Together with our faculty and stakeholders, we will strengthen quality assurance, embrace innovative teaching, and forge global partnerships that foster lifelong learning. By opening new academic pathways in emerging fields, we will ensure GMU remains a beacon of inclusive, high-quality education that anticipates future workforce needs and aligns with the UAE’s vision for a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.”
Meanwhile, admissions for the 2025–26 academic year at Gulf Medical University are closing soon. With only a few seats still available, this marks the final opportunity for students to secure admission into one of the region’s most sought-after medical schools. GMU boasts a high acceptance rate, making it competitive yet accessible, and remains a top choice for ambitious students pursuing careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and advanced postgraduate programs. More information is available at www.gmu.ac.ae