Gulf Medical University conducted a mid-cycle townhall meeting on June 23rd as part of its strategic planning review process under the R3 model—Reflect, Refocus, and Realign. The meeting aimed to assess institutional progress and realign priorities in line with the UAE’s national education goals, as outlined in the 8th edition of the Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

During the session, Prof. Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, presented a comprehensive overview of the College’s achievements and strategic direction. The presentation focused on the College’s performance against the 2023–2027 operational goals and its alignment with the six OBEF pillars: employment outcomes, learning outcomes, industry collaboration, research outcomes, reputation, and community engagement.
Key accomplishments highlighted in the presentation included:
- Accreditation Milestones
- Research Excellence and Rankings
- Program Innovation and Enrollment Growth
- Research Culture and Talent Retention
- Stakeholder Engagement and Student Support
- Community and Global Partnerships
The presentation also identified several challenges and outlined proposed solutions to maintain momentum for the second half of the strategic cycle. The College’s performance serves as a testament to GMU’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and relevance in health professions education.
This mid-cycle review demonstrated the College of Pharmacy’s proactive alignment with the UAE’s higher education strategy and its readiness to continue contributing to national priorities through evidence-based planning and institutional excellence.