The UAE’s academic community is mourning the loss of Prof KK Abdul Gaffar, a respected techno-educationalist, consultant engineer, author, and mentor who played a pivotal role in establishing and developing Gulf Medical University in Ajman.
His son, Dr Shajir Gaffar, confirmed in an Instagram post that Prof Abdul Gaffar passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5. He left behind a legacy that spans decades of contributions to engineering and medical education across India and the UAE.
Known for his quiet leadership and commitment to academic excellence, the 82-year-old inspired thousands of students, educators and professionals throughout a career dedicated to institution-building and public service.
An engineer by profession, Prof Abdul Gaffar worked closely with me during the formative years of Gulf Medical University and played an important role in establishing the institution. For nearly three years, he served as Administrative Director, contributing his experience, discipline, and commitment at a crucial stage of our journey.”
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In a statement to Khaleej Times, Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Thumbay Group, on Sunday, said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Prof KK Abdul Gaffar.
A builder of institutions
Among his most significant contributions in the UAE was his tenure as senior director and commissioning lead at Gulf Medical University, formerly Gulf Medical College. Colleagues remember him as one of the key figures involved in laying the foundations of the institution during its formative years and helping guide its growth into one of the region’s leading medical universities.
Before his move to the UAE, Prof Abdul Gaffar held several prominent academic positions in India. He served as Professor and Head of Department at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut and TKM College of Engineering in Kollam. He also led Anjuman Institute of Technology and Management as principal, earning a reputation for strengthening academic standards and nurturing young talent.
His expertise in engineering also took him into industry, where he worked as a consultant engineer with Saudi Aramco Technical Services Company.
Remembered beyond classrooms
While education remained his life’s work, Prof Abdul Gaffar was equally passionate about sharing his experiences through writing.
His autobiography, Njan Saakshi (I Am a Witness), received widespread recognition for chronicling his personal and professional journey. The book’s launch by Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni brought his story to a wider audience beyond academia.
In a recently released obituary, Prof Abdul Gaffar was remembered as an academic leader whose lifelong contributions to engineering education, institutional development and nation-building earned him immense respect across professional circles.
Source: Khaleej Times