Akbar Moideen Thumbay: Taking Thumbay Group Towards Greater Heights In The UAE’s Healthcare Sector

Vasu Jit Kalia
Vasu Jit Kalia

Akbar Moideen Thumbay, serving as the Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group, a diversified international business conglomerate established in 1997 and headquartered at DIFC, plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction. In addition to his vice presidential duties at Thumbay Healthcare, he also holds the position of co-chair of the GMU Academic Health System and serves as a board member of Thumbay Group.

Born on March 18, 1984, Akbar Moideen Thumbay pursued his education across India, the UAE, Italy, and the US, equipping himself with a diverse and rich academic background. He commenced his professional journey with a New York-based company, where he honed his skills before joining Thumbay Group, the multinational business founded by his father, Dr. Thumbay Moideen, who serves as the founder president of the group. Akbar’s acute business acumen and proactive approach quickly distinguished him within the organization, earning him progressively greater responsibilities. His strategic vision, coupled with his enthusiasm and confidence, ultimately led to his elevation as the Vice President of Thumbay Group’s Healthcare Division.

Currently, Akbar Moideen Thumbay oversees the operations of the healthcare division of Thumbay Group across the UAE, which includes all Thumbay Hospitals, clinics, and day care centers located in Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, he manages the extensive network of Thumbay Labs, Zo & Mo Opticals, and Thumbay Pharmacy situated across the UAE. Under Akbar’s leadership, Thumbay Healthcare has grown to become the largest private-academic teaching hospital group in the country, serving patients from as many as 175 countries, treating 11 million patients, and conducting more than 80,000 deliveries. The healthcare arm currently operates seven academic hospitals, with facilities that include 800 inpatient beds, five family clinics/medical centers, five diagnostic labs, and several retail pharmacy outlets, along with the first drive-through pharmacy options. Notably, Thumbay Healthcare was recognized as the prestigious 5th entity in the world with JCI Enterprise Accreditation, highlighting the quality and safety standards maintained in their clinical practice.

One of Akbar’s pivotal strategy involves the robust development of Thumbay Hospitals within the medical tourism sector, targeting patients from distant regions such as Africa and Southern Europe. The hospital’s renowned healthcare services and state-of-the-art facilities cater not only to routine executive check-ups but also to intricate surgeries- attracting a diverse clientele seeking specialized treatments.

Akbar’s noteworthy achievements span multiple prestigious accolades. In 2024, he was featured in Gulf News’ Super 100 series, spotlighting senior business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs within the vibrant Indian community across the UAE and the wider GCC region. He was acclaimed as the Young Leader Shaping the Future at the Stars of Business Leadership Awards in 2017 and received the Champion of Change Award at the seventh annual MENA HR Excellence Awards in 2015 for his exemplary leadership and strategic acumen. Akbar was also highlighted among the 25 Young Business Leaders in the UAE in the coffee table book Gen Next Indians. Furthermore, his alma mater, the American University of Sharjah (AUS), honored his distinguished career by inducting him into its esteemed Alumni Wall of Fame, recognizing his commendable contributions and professional accomplishments.

Akbar has spoken at various conferences and seminars held in the Middle East and Europe, which includes the Harvard Crossroads Summer Programme in Dubai, the International Medical Travel Exhibition and Conference held in Oman, the Borderlines in Healthcare event in Austria, the Leadership & Entrepreneurship Series 2016 at Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, and the AUS Enterprising Youth Forum in Sharjah in April 2016.

Akbar is married to Nousheen Salma and they have three sons: Ahmed Akbar Thumbay, Omar Akbar Thumbay and Rashid Akbar Thumbay.