On September 23, 2026, Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated the inauguration of its inaugural class of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at Thumbay grounds in Ajman. This program aims to prepare a new generation of veterinarians in the UAE, addressing crucial areas such as animal health, food safety, disease surveillance, wildlife conservation, and public health.
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Professor Mohammad Khalifeh, dean of the college, emphasized the importance of veterinarians in public health, stating, "Most new infectious diseases in people start in animals. So the first person to see an outbreak coming is often a vet, not a doctor." This locally trained veterinary workforce will have a deep understanding of the specific animal, farm, and environmental conditions in the UAE.
Veterinarians can often detect early signs of potential disease threats, which can then be acted upon swiftly. Khalifeh explained that their education—shared with future doctors, pharmacists, and lab scientists—fosters essential collaboration and communication in managing health risks.
The veterinary program aligns with the World Health Organization's "One Health" model, which highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Veterinary care significantly influences community health by raising awareness about proper animal care, vaccinations, and disease prevention.
Khalifeh pointed out that responsible veterinary practices improve food security and safeguard public health. Veterinarians monitor antibiotic use and inspect food products to ensure safety standards, thus addressing public health concerns stemming from animal health.
The five-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program comprises 170 credits and includes extensive clinical training across multiple animal categories. This education is crucial for bridging the gap in local animal welfare resources. Khalifeh noted a high demand for specialties such as shelter medicine and care for wildlife, emphasizing the need for more trained professionals to meet these challenges.
The white coat ceremony, presided over by Dr. Kaltham Ali Kayaf from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, symbolized the beginning of veterinary careers for students like Shahad Adil Al Alkhoori and Mohamed Rashid Almehrzi, who expressed pride in being part of this foundational class. Al Alkhoori remarked on the significance of setting a standard for future veterinarians, while Almehrzi highlighted the cultural importance of caring for the UAE's heritage animals.
Applications for the next intake are open to recent graduates from Grade 12 with backgrounds in biology and chemistry. As Khalifeh noted, veterinarians are positioned to be vital guardians of public health, food security, and animal welfare in the UAE.