Gulf Medical University (GMU) established in 1998 is a leading medical university in the Gulf region. It offers Medical and Health Professional Education in the field of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Anesthesia & Surgical Technologists, and Medical Imaging Technologists. GMU offers post graduate programs in Toxicology, Public Health, and Clinical Pathology. In addition, the university also offers Short Term Certificate Courses for Health workforce development and career enhancement. GMU differentiates itself in having its own network of hospitals, clinics, and institutes. About 460 beds and 41 dental chairs are available in these teaching hospitals.

 The Thumbay Institute for Precision Medicine and Translational Research, Thumbay Institute for Population Health and Thumbay Institute of Health Workforce Development are the hubs for research, post-graduate studies, and continuous professional development. The university programs are accredited by Ministry of Education, UAE. The MBBS program is recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) and listed in the WHO Directory of Medical Schools and IMED under the auspices of FAIMER and the list of all program offerings are listed among universities of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) of the WHO.