The world’s first camel hospital is set to expand its capacity by an additional 50% in response to growing demand
The camel hospital opened its doors in 2017 to meet the demand in the UAE for an advanced medical facility dedicated to treating camels.
Dubai Camel Hospital, the world’s first camel hospital, is set to expand its capacity by an additional 50 percent in response to massive demand for its services.
The veterinary hospital said it has firmed up plans to enlarge its facilities to be able to treat over 30 camels simultaneously. It currently has capacity for 22.
The camel hospital 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 customised 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.
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 Dubai Camel Hospital 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,” said Mohammad Alblooshi, director, Dubai Camel Hospital.
Camels are an integral part of the UAE’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.
In recent years, camel dairy farming has also evolved as an alternative to traditional dairy farming in the region and is projected to become a $661 million market by 2024.
Camels are also reared to participate in camel beauty pageants, which have evolved into a multi-million dollar sport thanks largely to government-sponsored festivals focused on the nation’s heritage and culture.
