Thumbay Group breaks ground on UAE’s first private veterinary teaching hospital and college

By AI, Created 10:38 AM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – Thumbay Group launched construction in Ajman on the UAE’s first private veterinary teaching hospital and college, with a curriculum and clinical model designed to train veterinarians locally. The project is meant to expand access to advanced animal care for companion animals and livestock while creating a homegrown pipeline of veterinary talent.

Why it matters: - The project gives the UAE its first private veterinary teaching hospital and college. - The hospital is designed to expand advanced care for companion animals, exotic pets and large animals in one facility. - The college creates a UAE-based path for veterinary education, reducing reliance on public institutions and overseas study. - The initiative aims to support animal healthcare, food-animal medicine and veterinary workforce development at the same time.

What happened: - Thumbay Group broke ground on Thumbay Veterinary Hospital and Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman. - H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, attended as chief guest and laid the foundation. - Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, and Prof. Manda Venkataramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, also took part in the ceremony. - The college operates under Gulf Medical University, Thumbay Group’s flagship academic institution. - More information on GMU and admissions is available at GMU admissions and program details.

The details: - The hospital will treat dogs, cats, exotic pets, horses, camels and livestock. - A dedicated teaching farm is planned as the next phase. - The farm is intended to give students hands-on training in production animal medicine, herd health and farm management. - The hospital is being built to international standards with separate wings for small animal care, large animal care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, laboratory services and isolation. - The college launches with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program as its flagship degree. - The curriculum focuses on clinical exposure, evidence-based practice and research tied to regional conditions. - The program is designed to prepare graduates for companion animal practice, equine and large animal medicine, food-producing livestock, wildlife and public health. - The college plans to add more short-term and other programs later. - The training network includes Thumbay Veterinary Clinic, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Royal Veterinary College in London, Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah Falcon Hospital, UAQ Camel Breeding Center, City Vet Hospital Groups, ABC Feed Factory in the UAE and Don State University in Russia. - These partnerships are meant to expose students to companion animals, falcons, camels, equines and livestock.

Between the lines: - Thumbay Group is pairing clinical care with education to build a full veterinary training pipeline inside the UAE. - The focus on desert species, working animals and livestock reflects regional demand, not just companion-animal care. - Co-locating the hospital, college and planned farm gives students staged exposure from clinic to field, which could strengthen practical readiness. - The partnership list suggests the college wants both local case experience and international academic credibility.

What’s next: - The hospital construction will continue toward launch. - The teaching farm will be added in a later phase. - Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine will expand its academic offerings beyond the initial DVM program. - Admissions and ongoing program updates will continue through GMU admissions and program details.

The bottom line: - Thumbay Group is building a one-stop veterinary care and education hub in Ajman, aiming to change how the UAE trains veterinarians and treats animals.