University of London International Foundation Program introduced at GMU
Dubai: Thumbay Group, UAE’s leading provider of medical education and healthcare services with a legacy of 25-years of excellence in services across the region, has forged a groundbreaking partnership with Gems Middle East. This collaboration seeks to empower the realms of healthcare and education by harnessing the collective strengths and expertise of both organizations. With a shared dedication to fostering innovation and achieving remarkable results, this partnership further strives to cultivate a vibrant and influential landscape in these crucial domains of health professions’ education.
As per the strategic partnership, Thumbay Group's esteemed entity- Gulf Medical University is set to host the University of London International Foundation Program (Medical) with a specialized focus on Medicine within its renowned Thumbay Medicity campus. This comprehensive nine-month program, known as the University of London International Foundation Program(Medical), aims to offer students an exceptional pathway into various undergraduate degree programs, encompassing fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Nutrition.
"We are immensely proud to be associated with supporting this exceptional University of London program at Gulf Medical University," stated Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University. "This not only expands our global presence but also provides students with a remarkable opportunity to gain seamless access to the programs offered by Gulf Medical University."
Acclaimed worldwide for its exceptional teaching standards and rigorous academic curriculum, the University of London's International Foundation Program stands as a beacon of excellence. This program equips students with invaluable skills, serving as a stepping stone towards successful admission into renowned universities around the world. From prestigious institutions in the UAE to esteemed establishments in Europe, Asia, and America, this program helps in unlocking top-tier educational opportunities.
The Foundation Program, which is set to be taught at GMU, provides a distinctive advantage by offering comprehensive preparation for the BMAT and UCAT exams, crucial prerequisites for medical and dental programs in the UK and other nations. Upon successful completion of this tailored program, students will receive a certificate of completion from the University of London and an International A-Level Certification from LRN-UK. Moreover, extensive guidance and support for the UCAT and BMAT exams will be provided.
Lynne Roberts, IFP Director, University of London Worldwide elaborated on the program, stating that the IFP has been designed to ensure that students achieve high academic standards and gain both the skills and intellectual curiosity necessary to succeed at university. “We are proud of our graduates who have gone on to study with University of London programs around the world, as well as on-campus at some of the best universities in the UK and other countries. We look forward to giving students more opportunities through the new GEMS-recognized teaching centers in the Middle East," Roberts explained.
The landmark Medical Foundation Program is scheduled to commence in September 2023, with applications set to open in June 2023. The program welcomes applications from students who currently hold A-levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent Grade 12 qualifications.
Meanwhile, expressing his pride in the robust relationship between GEMS Middle East and the University of London, Dr. Amir Saadati, Executive Director of GEMS Middle East, also highlighted the strategic partnership with Thumbay Group. He conveyed his delight in the program being offered at the Gulf Medical University, stating, "We are extremely happy that students can now benefit from enhanced learning and training opportunities."
Dr. Saadati also added that they are currently in talks with several UK-based universities. “The aim of these discussions is to provide students with the chance to study graduate entry medicine after completing the UoL Foundation program and Higher Diploma in Pre-Clinical Sciences (HDPCS) at GMU. This initiative aims to broaden the academic opportunities available to students and enhance their educational journey even further.”
Offering remarkable value, the UOL Foundation Program is priced at a competitive USD 6,800 per term. Further convenience is provided through online payment options, visa facilitation to the Emirates, and access to accommodation services, inclusive of free transportation.
Interested students are encouraged to apply online at foundation.gmu.ac.ae to secure their place. The initiative has garnered support from prominent figures within the academic community.
Prof. Richard Grose, Dean for Global Engagement at Queen Mary University London, shared, "It is hugely exciting to see the launch of this new collaborative program that will equip students with all the skills they need to make a successful transition into becoming future healthcare professionals. The synergy that comes from coupling the wonderful facilities at Gulf Medical University with the global academic reputation of UoL will give students a fantastic head start!"
Prof. Paul Coulthard, Dean at the College of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University London, commented, "I am thrilled with the University of London, GEMS Middle East, and Thumbay relationship, which is set to deliver a novel high-quality portfolio of exceptional educational opportunities in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions."
Dr James Abdey, London School of Economics, stated, "We want students to have a good foundation going into their choice of undergraduate degree. We want them to learn the basics of theory and be able to apply that theory to the real world, but also to have the language, terminology and confidence to be successful. In addition to the subject guides, there are additional resources – videos, news articles, and interesting lectures – so that students can apply what they're learning to real-life cases. For me, that's really exciting!"
About Gulf Medical University:
Gulf Medical University (GMU), established in 1998, is a leading medical university in the UAE, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, and more. With a commitment to excellence in education, research, and healthcare, GMU aims to produce competent healthcare professionals capable of serving the community and meeting the region's healthcare needs.
About University of London
The University of London is the UK’s leading provider of digital and blended distance education internationally, offering programmes to 45,000 students in 190 countries around the world. Although proudly rooted in London, our community and impact are global. A national leader in the humanities and promote their value to society and the economy through knowledge creation and exchange.
They are also a federation of 17 esteemed higher education institutions, with collaboration at the heart of our ethos. The University of London federation is a collective community of more than 240,000 learners and 50,000 staff, delivering world-leading research across all disciplines.
About GEMS Middle East Holding:
GEMS Middle East Holding is a leading education management group with expertise in owning and operating a diverse network of schools, colleges, and universities across the Middle East. In addition to its role in the education sector, the company serves as a trusted consultant to regional governments, providing specialized expertise and guidance on national education initiatives and educational reform programs. With a strong commitment to educational excellence, GEMS Middle East Holding is dedicated to providing students with exceptional learning experiences. The group's extensive network of educational institutions and its collaboration with the University of London position it as a leading force in shaping the educational landscape of the Middle East.
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Heated debate in Karnataka Legislative Council over continued ACC mining in Kalaburagi
Bengaluru (PTI): A heated exchange took place in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday over alleged non-payment of mining dues and the "unauthorised" continuation of quarry operations by the Adani Group’s ACC Limited, with ruling Congress and the opposition BJP members questioning the government’s handling of royalty recovery and permissions.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Congress MLC K Shivakumar, speaking on behalf of his party MLC Arathi Krishna, alleged that substantial royalty dues remained unpaid even as operations continued.
Krishna wanted to know whether the Karnataka government was aware that the lease period granted to Adani Group’s ACC Ltd for mining in the Kannur Limestone Block at Wadi in Kalaburagi has expired.
“If it is true, what action has the government taken against the said company for allegedly carrying out unauthorised mining at the site without paying the total dues of Rs 850.21 crore towards royalty, rent or penalty payable to the state government?” she asked in the written question.
She claimed that despite the Law department having given a written opinion to the Mines department that the said company should not be permitted to undertake mining activities until it clears all pending dues payable to the government, no legal action has been initiated against ACC, and instead a letter has been written to the central government regarding renewal of the lease in favour of the company.
Krishna questioned the apparent disparity in enforcement between small quarry operators and large corporate entities.
“After the Adani Group took over quarrying, they had to pay Rs 837 crore as royalty. Till today, they have not paid the royalty. What prompted you to exempt them from this royalty?” asked Shivakumar, on behalf of Krishna.
“If there is any small quarry operator, if he does not pay royalty, you do not allow him... You just bring him and seize it.”
BJP MLC C T Ravi echoed similar concerns, questioning the legal and procedural basis for allowing participation in bidding and continuation of operations despite pending dues.
“Do your rules allow those with pending dues to participate? If such a provision exists, under which rule does it exist?” he asked, also seeking clarity on recommendations of the High-Level Committee, Law Department and concurrence of the Finance Department.
Responding to the allegations, Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, replying on behalf of the Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun, maintained that no fresh licence had been granted and that the matter involved both an existing mining lease and a separate new application still under process.
He said the company had applied through the bidding route and was given time to complete formalities, which had since been done.
The minister explained that the issue of dues was pending before the court, which has allowed operations to continue subject to certain conditions.
“The old licence is continuing under court direction. It has not been stopped. We are following court direction,” he said, adding that part payment had been made and the balance would be decided through legal proceedings.
Ravi, however, pressed further, arguing that court orders did not prevent recovery of dues.
“The court has not said do not recover dues. What does your legal opinion say? Why have you not recovered?” he asked.
Shivakumar also raised concerns over declining non-tax revenue from mining, citing the state’s own budget observations.
“If Rs 800 crore to Rs 900 crore is allowed to let go like this, where will non-tax revenue come from?” he asked and sought to know why the government had not fully tapped the sector’s revenue potential.
The Minister reiterated that the due itself was under dispute, making immediate recovery difficult.
“How can we recover when the amount itself is not decided? Until recovery is possible, no further permission will be given,” he said, adding that consultations with the Law Department and Advocate General would be held to explore further action.
He also cited tender conditions, stating, “As per the tender notification dated October 5, 2020, a company must have paid all past dues to be considered a successful bidder.”
Unconvinced, Ravi demanded that the recovery of dues should follow.
