Kumar Bahukhandi
Officials from Thumbay Group and the Geneva College of Longevity Science sign the landmark Memorandum of Understanding establishing the UAE’s first structured academic programmes in longevity medicine-Photo credit -channel24india.com via Thumbay Group UAE
Historic MoU Makes Gulf Medical University the First Private Medical University in the UAE to Offer Structured Academic Programs in Longevity Medicine
Ajman (UAE), July 2026: In a landmark move that could reshape the future of healthcare education in the Middle East, Thumbay Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS), Switzerland, to establish the UAE’s first structured academic programmes dedicated to Longevity Medicine, Healthy Ageing, Preventive Healthcare, and Precision Health.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the two institutions, marks a significant milestone for Gulf Medical University (GMU), making it the first private medical university in the United Arab Emirates to introduce formal education in the rapidly evolving field of longevity science through the newly established Thumbay Institute of Longevity Medicine.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, and Dr. Dominik Thor, President of the Geneva College of Longevity Science, exchange commemorative mementoes following the signing ceremony, marking a new era in longevity medicine education in the Middle East–Photo credit -channel24india.com via Thumbay Group UAE
The collaboration combines the academic expertise of GCLS—the world’s first higher education institution devoted exclusively to longevity science—with Gulf Medical University’s internationally recognised medical education ecosystem and Thumbay Healthcare’s extensive clinical network.
Six Professional Certificate Programmes to Debut
Beginning with the 2026–27 academic session, the Thumbay Institute of Longevity Medicine will introduce six internationally developed professional certificate programmes, delivered in a hybrid format over three months.
The programmes include:
- Professional Certificate in Clinical Longevity Medicine
- Professional Certificate in Longevity Physiotherapy
- Professional Certificate in Longevity Nutrition
- Professional Certificate in Longevity Fitness
- Professional Certificate in Peptide Medicine
- Professional Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Each programme is expected to enrol approximately 100 healthcare professionals during its inaugural intake.
Preparing Healthcare for an Ageing World
The courses have been designed for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionists, fitness professionals, and allied healthcare practitioners. Participants will receive internationally benchmarked curricula developed by Swiss experts while benefiting from GMU’s advanced simulation laboratories, experienced faculty, and integrated Academic Health System.
The collaboration also opens pathways for advanced academic progression in longevity science while fostering research, innovation, and continuing professional development.
Supporting UAE’s Healthcare Vision
The initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s ambition to emerge as a global centre for advanced healthcare, preventive medicine, precision health, and medical innovation.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, said the partnership would bring globally recognised Swiss academic standards to the Gulf region.
“By joining hands with the Geneva College of Longevity Science, we are bringing world-class Swiss academic standards to the UAE and equipping healthcare professionals with the expertise required for the future of medicine. Our vision is to transform Gulf Medical University from the leading private medical university in the Gulf into the world’s foremost medical university.”
Dr. Dominik Thor, President of the Geneva College of Longevity Science, described the agreement as a major step in building the academic foundations of longevity medicine worldwide.
“Longevity medicine is rapidly becoming an essential component of modern healthcare. Through strategic collaborations with leading universities, we aim to establish high academic standards, credible clinical education, and a robust global training infrastructure.”
Demand for Longevity Medicine Growing Worldwide
The announcement comes amid increasing global demand for preventive and longevity-focused healthcare.
According to the 2026 Global Longevity Physician Survey conducted by GCLS:
- 99% of longevity physicians reported rising patient demand.
- 44% witnessed demand increasing by more than 50% over the past three years.
- 83% believe healthcare will shift decisively towards prevention.
- 76% expect major lifespan extension technologies to become realistic within the next two decades.
The partnership extends beyond classroom learning. Both institutions plan to jointly organise international conferences, workshops, scientific symposiums, and collaborative research initiatives as the programme expands.
Beyond Education
Admissions for the 2026–27 academic year are now open, with Gulf Medical University offering more than 50 academic programmes alongside the newly introduced longevity medicine certifications.
Key Highlights
- First private medical university in the UAE to introduce structured education in longevity medicine.
- Thumbay Group partners with Switzerland’s Geneva College of Longevity Science.
- Six specialised professional certificate programmes to begin in 2026–27.
- Hybrid learning model combining Swiss academic expertise with GMU’s clinical ecosystem.
- Initiative supports the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for preventive and precision healthcare.
- Collaboration to expand into research, conferences, and international scientific partnerships.
