World’s first camel hospital at Dubai to expand its facilities

Abu Dhabi, September 24: World’s first camel hospital at Dubai is set to expand its facilities by an additional 50 per cent in response to the increase in demand for its services. Director of Dubai Camel Hospital Mohammad Alblooshi said that it is a unique hospital catering specifically to the needs of the burgeoning camel industry that has been flourishing and growing by leaps and bounds over the past few years.

 

A Dubai Govt Media office statement said that the hospital also aims to contribute significantly to the research and development of camel medicine as part of enhancing the global body of therapeutic knowledge related to the desert animal. 

The camel hospital, built at an estimated cost of 40 million Dirhams, opened its doors in 2017 to meet the demand in the UAE for an advanced medical facility dedicated to treating camels. Since its inception, the hospital has attracted the interest of not only local owners but also camel breeders from across the world. The hospital’s customized equipment was adapted from equestrian medical equipment to accommodate camel treatment and the facility is also equipped with a mini-race track to rehabilitate camels after their medical procedures. According to the veterinary hospital, the facilities have been enlarged to treat over 30 camels simultaneously. It currently has capacity for 22.

 

Camels are an integral part of the United Arab Emirate’s heritage. Historically, camels, known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’ were a source of transport as well as food and milk in the region. The camel has continued to be an integral part of the UAE’s society and culture to this day, with select breeds used for camel racing, a sport highly popular among Emiratis.