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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New Delhi, May 16: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a criminal contempt notice against Delhi Development Authority vice-chairman Subhasish Panda for allowing large-scale felling of trees in the southern Ridge's Satbari area to construct a road from Chhattarpur to Saarc University.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed displeasure over the misleading affidavit filed by the vice chairman and presenting wrong facts in the court. It also directed planting of 100 new trees for each tree felled by the DDA.

Voicing strong disapproval of the affidavit filed by the DDA vice-chairman which stated that 642 trees were cut without his knowledge, the top court said it "cannot trust the DDA now".

"I have been a judge in Constitutional courts for over 20 years now and I have never seen a body misrepresenting facts and filing wrong affidavits. There has to be some limit, never before seen," Justice Oka remarked orally.

The top court noted that the felling of trees continued for 10 days and this fact was suppressed by the DDA despite knowing not a single tree could be touched in the ridge area (according to a 19995 order) without the court's permission.

It also noted the Delhi LG was also misled by the DDA officials by not informing about the correct facts about the felling of trees.

"Such conduct (of DDA VC) and suppression amounts to interference with the due course of court proceedings and administration of justice. We have already issued show cause notice for civil contempt. We therefore issue notice of criminal contempt," the bench said.

The apex court also directed the DDA to stop all further activities for construction of the road.

"We are of the view that 100 new trees for one tree felled have to be planted by the DDA. We, therefore, direct Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, to visit the road stretches to find out how many trees possibly may have been cut and assess damages.

"Entire record of contractor has to be shared. We request FSI team to submit a preliminary report to this court by June 20," the bench said.

The top court had earlier issued contempt notice to the vice-chairman of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the felling of over 1,000 trees for the construction of an approach road.

The apex court on March 4 had refused permission to DDA to fell 1,051 trees saying that their application is very vague.

The top court had said DDA being an instrumentality of the State, it is the duty of the DDA to first make an attempt to protect the environment by requesting for felling of only those trees which are absolutely mandatory.

"They must apply their mind whether alternatives can be examined to save the trees. Moreover, they want to construct the road through a forest. There is no permission obtained under the Forest Act.

"We direct the DDA to re-examine the proposal by employing the experts in the field. The exercise to be undertaken by the DDA is necessary for ensuring that while public work is carried out, minimum number of trees are required to be felled," the apex court had said.