Dubai: An all-inclusive College of Equine studies will be launched in the UAE under the patronage and support of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, one of the most influential and respected men in the sport of horse racing.
The college, which will offer a wealth of degrees and courses in horse care, equine veterinary nursing, administration, is the brainchild of Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President and CEO of the American University in the Emirates (AUE).
Students will be trained in basics stable management to equine anatomy and physiology and knowledge and care management it was announced during the first International Equine Forum which was held on Thursday at the AUE with the attendance of several dignitaries and senior officials from the equine world.
“Our aim is to learn from you and discuss the degrees we are going to offer,” Prof. Muthanna told the audience. “We need to know what are the skills that we are going to equip our graduates with, in order for them to find suitable jobs in the field.
It has been proposed that the equine college will have three sectors for awarding degrees, research and advancement and training.
“It will be a comprehensive college to meet the market demands,” he added. “We want to graduate people who want to be leaders and who can contribute in a very efficient and effective manner.”
Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office was joined by Major General Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al Raisi, who is a leading UAE law enforcement officer and the current Inspector General at the Ministry of Interior.
“If you have two horses, it’s a hobby, but if you have 200 horses it’s an industry,” Al Sayegh said. “An industry with all its involvement in administration, economic viability, sales, stallion registration, a finance department, in short everything to do with the sport of horse racing.
“The UAE has been blessed by having different schools of thought through the British School, the French School, the Indian School, the American School and the Emirati School.
“By adopting all the best rules in the world, all these schools have been competing with each other to produce the best students in order to make the Emirates the best in the world,” he added.
“On Saturday, Dubai will host the Dubai World Cup meeting which offers the best prize money and has attracted the best horses in the world, the best trainers and best jockeys.
“No stone has been left unturned to ensure that it will be a memorable occasion and one that makes Dubai proud.
“You can take a lead from this and aspire to be an expert in the field of horse racing or quine sport. When you graduate from the Equine College you will be well educated and certified and qualified to join our stud farms and its offices that are flourishing with the best horses in the world.
“I wish you all the best and should your gain a recognised qualification as a result of your course, I wish your luck in the future.
