Gulf Medical University (GMU) conducted a comprehensive Mid-Cycle Review of its Strategic Plan 2023–2027 on June 23, 2025. The review served as a pivotal moment to evaluate institutional progress, recalibrate priorities, and realign initiatives with the UAE’s national vision for advanced health education, research, and innovation.
Held at the university’s main campus, the review brought together senior leadership, faculty, and key stakeholders to assess accomplishments and address areas for enhancement at the midpoint of the five-year plan.
The event opened with remarks from Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of GMU, emphasized the need for strategic agility in response to the evolving landscape of academia and healthcare. His message set a constructive tone for the review, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making and sustainable growth. This was followed by a university-wide strategic overview delivered by Dr. Sara Osman, Associate Dean of the Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness Deanship. Her presentation outlined institutional milestones, performance benchmarks, and cross-functional challenges, providing a comprehensive context for the college-level presentations that followed.
Deans and associate deans from GMU’s six colleges presented detailed progress reports, highlighting key achievements, persistent challenges, and forward-looking strategies for the remainder of the plan. Prof. Razia Khanam, Associate Dean, presented on behalf of the College of Medicine, detailing enhancements in curriculum design, clinical training frameworks, and student performance indicators. Prof. Walid Shaaban Moustafa Elsayed, Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, shared updates on accreditation achievements, faculty development, and programmatic improvements. Prof. Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, discussed notable research output, international collaborations, and advancements in student academic outcomes. Dr. Praveen Kumar Kandakurti, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, highlighted the college’s strengthened curriculum, interdisciplinary initiatives, and impactful community engagement. Prof. Selva Titus Chacko, Dean of the College of Nursing, presented progress in clinical training, interprofessional education, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Moon Moon Haque, Dean of the Thumbay College of Management and AI in Healthcare, outlined the college’s rapid growth in program development, AI integration in curricula, and collaborative industry outreach.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Hesham Marie, Acting Vice Chancellor of Academics, who commended the collective dedication to GMU’s mission and emphasized the importance of sustained innovation, collaboration, and alignment with national priorities.
The Mid-Cycle Review reaffirmed GMU’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, healthcare transformation, and evidence-driven strategic planning. The insights and recommendations emerging from this session will serve as a roadmap for targeted interventions and informed decision-making as the university progresses toward the successful fulfillment of its 2027 goals.