Client
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Veterinary
Equestrian Veterinary Physiotherapist - Setup in Abu Dhabi
Supporting a UK-qualified veterinary physiotherapist in establishing a compliant and fully operational practice in the UAE, navigating regulatory barriers and building a strong client base.
About the project
Enabling specialist talent to enter and operate within a highly regulated market.
Following the completion of her Master’s degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy in the UK, Catherine relocated to the UAE with the intention of establishing her own practice. With strong clinical expertise but no local presence or infrastructure, the opportunity was to support her entry into a new and tightly regulated market.
The UAE presents unique challenges within veterinary and medical-related fields, with strict requirements around licensing, employment structures, and who is authorised to operate independently.
Challanges
Creating a compliant structure was critical to enabling the business to operate and grow.
The primary challenge was regulatory. Veterinary-related services in the UAE are subject to strict licensing requirements, limiting how independent practitioners can legally operate. Establishing a fully compliant structure required careful navigation of both legal and commercial constraints.
We advised on the most viable route to market, identifying a structure that would allow Catherine to practise while remaining fully compliant. Leveraging our network, we secured a partnership with an established veterinary centre willing to provide visa sponsorship and operate under their trade licence.
We then supported Catherine through the negotiation process, ensuring terms were commercially fair and allowed her the flexibility to build and manage her own client base within that framework.
Once operational, the focus shifted to client acquisition and market positioning. We established a professional website to provide credibility and visibility, and facilitated introductions to local stables, trainers, and head veterinarians—key referral channels within the industry.
Through consistent delivery and strong word-of-mouth, the practice quickly gained traction. Catherine has since built a reputation as a trusted and in-demand physiotherapist for both equine and canine clients, operating at or near full capacity.
Summary
From international relocation to established practitioner within a competitive and regulated environment.
By combining regulatory guidance, strategic structuring, and targeted introductions, Catherine was able to successfully establish and grow her practice in the UAE.
The business demonstrates how specialist expertise, when supported by the right local knowledge and network, can overcome complex market entry barriers and scale through reputation and results.
We continue to support entrepreneurs entering the region, particularly in regulated industries, where execution requires both precision and access.
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