SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Heritage and cherished local traditions are at the heart of ADIHEX, but the marvels of science and technology have also earned their place at the exhibition. From cloning and genome research to advanced veterinary care for camels and horses, innovation is ensuring that cultural legacy not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
The UAE Biotech Research Centre is participating in ADIHEX for the first time, showcasing its expertise in camel cloning and biobanking.
Dr. Ghabisha Al Ketbe, a veterinarian at the centre, said that with their presence at the exhibition, they open the door for camel owners to explore cloning services. Discounted prices are currently on offer, she added.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr. Al Ketbi highlighted that camel cloning has a “very high” success rate, with cloned camels being 99.9% identical to the original.
At the exhibition, the centre presents a cloned version of the beauty champion camel Mabrokan.
“We cloned around 18, and this is the youngest one, about one year old now,” she said.
Cloning, she added, can significantly help preserve breeds and species. “Beyond camels, we are also working on horses, endangered animals, and future projects including falcons.”
Genome Research
When it comes to camel research, the Advanced Scientific Group (ASG) has been among the go-to experts at ADIHEX since the exhibition’s inception.
“Every year, we showcase the group’s latest research and medical developments in the field of camels, and we launch them in conjunction with the camel auction accompanying the exhibition,” said Rashid Al Nuaimi, Assistant CEO at ASG.
This year, the group’s focus is genome research. “We are studying the genetic strength of camels in production and determining which stallion is most suitable for them,” Al Nuami said.
“Typically, camels require two years of insemination and breeding to produce, but we have provided a mechanism to identify the top five stallions in the Gulf region to accelerate and improve results,” he added.
Thanks to research, it has become possible for a female camel to produce between 10 and 20 offspring in a single season from several different fathers, compared to one offspring every two years, Al Nuaimi said.
World-class Veterinary Care
Another major ADIHEX exhibitor is Abu Dhabi Equine and Camel Hospital, “the world’s first dedicated multi-species hospital for both horses and camels”.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Imtaz Zahoor, a clinician at the hospital, said: “The Abu Dhabi Equine and Camel Hospital covers more than 200,000 sq.m and brings together a world-class team of specialists from Europe, America, India, and the Middle East. Our veterinarians include board-certified surgeons from the US and experts in equine and large animal medicine, including camels.”
Ensuring urgent care is provided during emergencies, the hospital launched an ambulance service in Al Wathba last year, Dr. Zahoor said. Plans are on to expand the coverage across the UAE, including Dubai.
Besides five veterinarians on the ground who respond to emergencies, the hospital also offers a 24/7 helpline for horse and camel owners, the clinician added.
