UAEZabeel lies on the operating table as the surgeon blocks the abscess on the neck. Nothing out of the ordinary, except that Zabeel, is a one-year-old camel.

Dubai Camel Hospital (DCH), a high-end facility worth $ 10 million, where Zabeel is treated, attracting the interest of camel players from around the world.

"DCH is the only advanced medical facility specialized in treating peanuts worldwide," said Ali Redha, general manager of DCH, although Qatar opened a camel breeding hospital and center in 2015. .

Since its inauguration in December 2017, DCH has mainly received camels from as far afield as the northern emirate of the UAE and even Oman. The number of camels is so large that the hospital plans to expand by 50% to meet demand.

"We grow rapidly thanks to everyone introducing us to the incredible medical advances that take place here and our results tell that," Mr. Redha said.

The camels are very popular in the UAE and are an important part of the kingdom's heritage. With more than 300,000 camels, in recent years, many industries related to the animal have flourished, such as government-sponsored beauty and camel racing competitions. Camel racing is currently among the most popular sports in the region, especially in the emirate.

"Traditionally, Arab nomads use camels for food, milk and transportation, but the number of camels has increased dramatically because they have been bred for race," Redha said. to speak. He is collaborating with Dubai Emirate Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who sponsors DCH, preserving the kingdom's camel tradition.

"We are taking care of camels for everyone, including the royal family, and often they are unwell or injured by the race. Like horse races, you want them to be in the best health when competing. ", Redha added.

Camel racing is a lucrative industry. This year, the prestigious Al Marmoom Heritage Festival awards more than $ 40 million to the winners. Winner of the Al Dhafra Festival in Abu Dhabi will receive $ 800,000.

Camels often have very expensive prices, especially females because they tend to run faster. Dubai Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed is said to have bought one of the most expensive female camels in the world for $ 2.7 million at a beauty contest for the animal.

With such a large amount of money, it is not surprising that the owners of camels welcome the DCH High-Tech Hospital, the exclusive place to treat their pets.

The hospital currently has 65 employees, including an international team of doctors and veterinarians, capable of treating 22 camels at a time with medical equipment imported from Europe and the United States. Tailored to these half-tonne animals.

The cost of a surgery is from 1,000 USD, while the ultrasound is 110 USD. However, new laboratories and pharmaceuticals are the most expensive, as they sell camel prescriptions after discharge. The hospital now has two operating rooms and even a VIP room for Muslim dignitaries, camel owners and coaches who want to watch the surgery directly at high resolution.

"It is interesting that we are constantly doing things that have never been done before," said British surgeon Claire Booth. "Like an athlete, the camels also suffer many injuries during the race such as long fractures, or through collisions. The males break each other's jaws when fighting is complete. all normal in nature ".

Booth said doctors would give camels a sedative, then hang them upside down and transport them to the operating room. He added that DCH has a 5-meter endoscope, one of only three in the world dedicated to treating large animals.

Rehabilitation is just as important as surgery. After surgery, the camels are monitored for 24 hours and are taken care of daily by physiotherapy, jogging on the hospital's small track.

Mansoor Ali Chaudhry, a camel breeding and breeding specialist at DCH, said the camels were selected for breeding based on their origin and health. The baby camel stays with the mother for the first 9 months before moving to the racing training camp.

Dr. Redha said DCH's next five-year plan is to expand the hospital. "Camels will always be a part of our heritage and we must do everything to preserve their future."