UAE Unveils First Private Veterinary Teaching Campus

Bridging an Educational Gap

The UAE has launched its first private veterinary teaching hospital and college in Ajman, marking a major milestone for animal healthcare and education in the country. Developed by Thumbay Group at Thumbay Medicity, the integrated campus combines advanced veterinary treatment, academic instruction, and future farm-based training facilities within one location.

Advanced Care for Diverse Animals

The new hospital will provide care for pets, exotic animals, horses, camels, and livestock, reflecting the UAE’s diverse animal care requirements. Planned to meet international standards, the facility will include surgery units, intensive care services, diagnostic imaging, laboratories, and isolation wards. A teaching farm planned for the next phase will support practical learning in herd health, production medicine, and farm management.

According to Towards Healthcare, the Middle East and Africa animal health market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 5.96 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 12.67 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.74% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is being driven by increasing livestock farming, rising awareness of zoonotic diseases, expanding veterinary healthcare services, government-led disease control programs, and growing investments in animal nutrition, vaccines, diagnostics, and biosecurity measures across Middle Eastern and African countries.

Hands-On Training from Year One

Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine, operating 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 gain practical experience from their first year, preparing them for careers in companion animal care, livestock health, equine medicine, falcon treatment, and camel healthcare.

Global Partnerships Strengthen Regional Expertise

The college has also partnered with leading veterinary institutions and hospitals in the UAE and abroad. Collaborations include the Royal Veterinary College London, Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah Falcon Hospital, and the UAQ Camel Breeding Centre. Officials said the project will reduce dependence on overseas education while supporting the UAE’s growing demand for qualified veterinary professionals.

Thumbay Group founder Dr. Thumbay Moideen said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare and education in the UAE. Academic leaders added that the combined teaching hospital, college, and farm model would create one of the region’s most comprehensive veterinary learning environments while supporting future research innovation and animal welfare advancements nationwide.

A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the Middle East and Africa animal health market is witnessing growth driven by rising demand for quality animal protein, increasing pet adoption, improving veterinary infrastructure, supportive public health initiatives, advancements in animal healthcare technologies, and greater focus on disease surveillance, vaccination programs, and sustainable livestock management practices throughout the Middle East and Africa region.