The Al Shaqab Equine Veterinary Medical Centre (EVMC) will offer “world-class” facilities for veterinarians, researchers and educators, and is scheduled to open in September.
The Al Shaqab EVMC will include a “state-of-the-art” equine veterinary hospital, an accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory and a clinical research laboratory. The hospital will also be equipped with facilities to conduct MRIs, CT-scans and nuclear scintigraphy, and include two operating theatres, according to a press statement.
Other facilities include a “well-equipped” farrier shop for hoof care and lameness examination areas, while specialised medical services at the Al Shaqab EVMC will include internal medicine, with an all-hours intensive care unit and anaesthesiology/pain management.
“Horses have long been an important part of Qatari life and culture, and just as the country’s human healthcare has seen significant advances, so too has equine care,” the statement noted, adding that the Al Shaqab EVMC is the next step in this growth.
In addition to its healthcare facilities, the Al Shaqab EVMC will provide research opportunities for its clinicians and international visiting scientists interested in developing independent or collaborative equine research programmes within the centre and in partnership with other research institutions in Qatar.
“Al Shaqab is proud to have an opportunity not only to practise equine medicine at the highest level, but also help advance veterinary medicine through research by a core of internationally recognised experts at EVMC,” said Khalifa al-Attiya, Al Shaqab’s executive director. “Such a vision will put both Al Shaqab and EVMC on the international map of world’s best equine hospitals and laboratories.”
Many of Al Shaqab EVMC’s activities hinge on international partnerships with hospitals and laboratories. Already, EVMC has initiated collaborations with globally recognised institutions such as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Oxford University and Anti-Doping Lab Qatar. As soon as the EVMC is fully operational, it will begin hosting visiting clinicians and researchers from all over the world.
A key part of Al Shaqab EVMC’s mission is education. “As part of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the facility has a strong commitment to offering learning opportunities and fostering innovation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.  To that end, the Al Shaqab EVMC plans to seek affiliations with universities in order to accept PhD and master’s degree students to join the research laboratory,” the statement explained.
The centre will also welcome veterinary students for externships and help train veterinarians for board certifications. The goal is not only to benefit equine health around the world, but also increase awareness of the veterinary profession in Qatar.
The facility will also be beneficial to the participants of the annual CHI Al Shaqab event, one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcases three or more equestrian disciplines in one event.