Dubai: Free world class veterinary education will be available to capable Emirati students thanks to the generosity and farsightedness of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The scholarship initiative, which was announced during the Dubai Equine Hospital’s (DEH) 20th Anniversary celebrations on Friday evening, hopes to give more value to the advancement of medical knowledge in the field of equine science.
Addressing the gathering at the Dubai Equine Hospital’s special anniversary marquee, Dr Abdullah Al Mutairi, Assistant Professor of Genes, and Managing Director of the hospital, said: “It is my privilege to announce a new initiative that will bring untold opportunities to many.
“I am honoured to confirm that Shaikh Hamdan has allocated scholarships to students in the UAE, enabling them to complete their studies at the most prestigious universities in the world and achieve the highest academic degrees in the field of veterinary medicine.
“Please join me in thanking His Highness for this most generous initiative.”
The scholarship programme also aims to build a strong base for veterinary experts in the country for generations to come.
Meanwhile, pioneering veterinary doctors were also honoured for outstanding contribution to the Dubai Equine Hospital and were presented with special recognition awards by Dr Ali Redha, Director of DEH.
Among the many awards presented was a unique memento to the late Dr Michael Hause, the very first doctor and manager of the hospital, His wife, Mona Hauser, received the special award.
The next recipient was Dr William Buerstler, acknowledged as the first doctor to work in the stables and who introduced the first services for horse racing.
Celebrating another first for the hospital Dr Ali Redha presented a commemoration souveignr to the facility’s first female doctor, Dr Michelle Bweiringer.
Dr Carlos Servynts, the hospital’s first surgeon, was also honoured for his skills and dedication, while Engineer Kieran Hogg, was also recognised for her role in designing the hospital.
Staff who completed 20 years at the hospital were recognised for the loyalty. Among them were Dr Dionisio Flex, Dr Marta Miciv, Knho Mohammad, Khan Afsar, Abdul Salam Tombl and Zulfiqar Khan
In his address Al Mutiari highlighted some of the many achievements of the Dubai Equine Hospital which was the brainchild of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Just over 20 years ago, an idea was conceived in the mind and heart of our great leader,” he said, “Over time, this idea grew under his leadership and generous patronage. And today, because this idea has blossomed and flourished, providing some of the most advanced equine treatments in the world, we are all gathered here today to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Al Mutiari also extended his appreciation and gratitude to Shaikh Mohammad for his tremendous commitment in ensuring that the Dubai Equine Hospital continues to set the highest standards for others to aspire to.
“What we have witnessed today is only the beginning. We believe that development and change is the cornerstone of excellence and achievement,” he added. “Who knows where the next 20 years will take us.
“But the hospital’s objectives are clear: to continue to grow and provide the highest quality of medical care anywhere for horses of all breeds and backgrounds, further emphasising Dubai’s place on the global equine medicine and veterinary map.
