Ajman: Thumbay Group has officially broken ground on the UAE’s first private veterinary teaching hospital and veterinary college at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, marking a major milestone in animal healthcare and veterinary education in the country.

The foundation stone for the project was laid in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, who attended as the chief guest alongside Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group.

The ambitious project includes the Thumbay Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine, both aimed at strengthening veterinary healthcare services and creating a comprehensive academic pathway for aspiring veterinarians within the UAE.

First-of-its-Kind Veterinary Facility

The upcoming facility will provide specialized care for both small and large animals under one roof, including dogs, cats, exotic pets, horses, camels, and livestock. The hospital will feature dedicated departments for surgery, intensive care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and isolation units, all built to international standards.

An 85,000-square-foot multi-specialty teaching hospital and academic complex is planned as part of the development. A dedicated teaching farm with stables and livestock facilities will also be developed in the next phase to provide hands-on training in herd health, farm management, and production animal medicine.

Expanding Veterinary Education in the UAE

The Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine will operate under Gulf Medical University (GMU), Thumbay Group’s flagship academic institution. The college will initially offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program designed around clinical exposure, evidence-based learning, and research tailored to regional veterinary challenges.

The curriculum will prepare students for careers in companion animal practice, equine and large animal medicine, wildlife care, livestock health, and public health sectors.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Thumbay Moideen said the project reflects the group’s long-term vision of bringing world-class healthcare and education to the UAE.

“Today we extend that promise to the animals who share our homes, our farms, and our heritage. The hospital will deliver the same standard of care our human hospitals are known for, while the college will provide students with a UAE-based pathway into a profession the region urgently needs,” he said.

Global Collaborations and Training Opportunities

The college has established partnerships with several renowned veterinary institutions and specialty centers in the UAE and abroad. These collaborations will provide students with diverse clinical training opportunities in areas such as falcon medicine, camel healthcare, equine surgery, and companion animal treatment.

Partner institutions include the Royal Veterinary College in London, Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah Falcon Hospital, UAQ Camel Breeding Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, and Don State University in Russia.

Boost for UAE Veterinary Sector

Academic leaders noted that the integrated model of combining a teaching hospital, veterinary college, and working farm will create a unique learning environment rarely seen globally.

Prof. Manda Venkataramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said the project will help address the growing demand for qualified veterinary professionals in the region while advancing research and innovation in veterinary sciences.

The project is expected to significantly enhance veterinary services, research capabilities, and educational opportunities in the UAE, while supporting the country’s broader goals in healthcare, agriculture, and animal welfare.

For admissions and program details, students can visit http://gmu.ac.ae.