UAE launches first private veterinary teaching hospital and college

UAE – The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its animal healthcare infrastructure with the launch of its first private veterinary teaching hospital and college, a new integrated facility designed to support veterinary services, workforce development and animal health research across the country.

Developed by Thumbay Group at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, the project combines a veterinary teaching hospital, an academic institution, and a future teaching farm within a single campus. 

The initiative aims to address growing demand for veterinary professionals and advanced animal healthcare services as livestock production, companion animal ownership and animal welfare standards continue to expand across the region.

Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of Thumbay Group, said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing healthcare and education in the UAE while supporting the country’s evolving animal health needs.

New facility targets livestock, camel and companion animal healthcare

The veterinary hospital will provide care for a wide range of animals, including companion animals, livestock, horses, camels and exotic species.

Designed to meet international standards, the facility will include surgical theatres, intensive care units, diagnostic imaging services, laboratories and isolation wards. 

A teaching farm planned as part of the next development phase will support practical training in herd health management, production medicine and livestock operations.

The launch comes as investment in animal health continues to increase across the Middle East and Africa, driven by growing livestock sectors, rising awareness of zoonotic diseases, expanding veterinary services and stronger biosecurity requirements.

Industry analysts project continued growth in the regional animal health market, supported by increased spending on vaccines, diagnostics, animal nutrition products and disease prevention programmes.

The academic component of the project, Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine under Gulf Medical University, will offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programme focused on early clinical exposure, evidence-based practice and region-specific research.

Students will receive practical training from their first year of study, preparing them for careers in companion animal medicine, livestock health management, equine practice, falcon medicine and camel healthcare.

To strengthen training and research capabilities, the college has established partnerships with several veterinary institutions and specialist facilities, including the Royal Veterinary College, the Sharjah Equine Hospital, the Sharjah Falcon Hospital, and the UAQ Camel Breeding Centre.

Officials said the initiative will help reduce reliance on overseas veterinary education while creating a local talent pipeline to support the UAE’s expanding animal health sector.

The integrated model that combines clinical services, academic training, and farm-based learning is expected to support future research, innovation, and animal welfare initiatives while enhancing veterinary capacity across both the livestock and companion animal sectors.

As governments and private investors across the Middle East continue to prioritise food security, disease prevention and sustainable livestock production, investments in veterinary infrastructure are becoming an increasingly important component of the region’s broader agricultural and animal health development strategies.

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