More people in the UAE are prioritising mental health over physical care, marking a remarkable shift in attitudes to well-being, an international survey has found.
At least 11,800 people were included in the assessment of 13 international markets including the US, UK and Europe.
Vitality and well-being across physical, mental, financial, family and work dimensions related to the way people accessed care were examined, as part of the 2025 Cigna Healthcare International Health Study.
For the first time, people responding in the UAE to an in-depth questionnaire in May 2025 said they valued their mental health over physical health.
The number of UAE residents reporting strong mental health rose seven points year-on-year, to 64 per cent of those asked, 21 points above the global average.
Men reported the highest levels (68 per cent) followed by 55 per cent of women.
Leah Cotterill, chief executive of Cigna Healthcare Middle East, said there are key reasons why the UAE now bucks the global trend of physical health first, mental health second.
“We’re seeing clear evidence that national investment in mental health access, preventive care and digital innovation are delivering measurable outcomes,” she said.
“For the first time, mental well-being has overtaken physical health as the UAE’s top focus.
“We interpret these findings as part of a wider and profound cultural shift, where health is no longer defined merely as the absence of illness, but as the presence of balance, vitality and emotional resilience.
“This transformation has been shaped by national dialogue, progressive workplace initiatives and reduced stigma.”
Obstacles to providing care
Prejudice, taboos, as well as religious and cultural beliefs, have affected efforts by some countries to deliver critical mental healthcare services.
Underinvestment or overpriced care costs due to a shortage of mental health professionals have also been blamed for some national health systems falling short in providing life-saving psychological support.
The refining of national regulations has boosted availability of appropriate mental health support in the UAE.
While the Federal Mental Health Law and Dubai’s Dh105 million Mental Health Framework have underscored a commitment to building a healthier, more resilient population, community programmes like Abu Dhabi’s Parent-Friendly Label, which promotes flexible work arrangements, continue to embed well-being within daily life.
Dr Shahana Kasim, a psychiatrist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said mental health is “an important determinant of the economic progress of the nation”.
“Untreated mental illness affects a person’s functioning in all spheres of their life, including occupational functioning,” she said.
“This results in loss of productivity for the company, ultimately becoming a barrier to the development and progress of the country as well.”
A common barrier preventing vulnerable people receiving adequate care is poor mental health literacy, with Dr Kasim saying that mental health conditions are still considered as a sign of weakness by some.
“Misconceptions about mental health, mental illness and its treatment remains prevalent in the community,” she said.
“Conditions such as depression and anxiety are frequently misunderstood and unfairly stigmatised.
“Some believe that experiencing mental health issues is a sign of weak faith or spiritual failure, leading them to feel guilty or ashamed, particularly when facing issues like depression.
“Fear of judgment is another common barrier. However, these results can be considered a landmark in mental health literacy in the country.”
Of those aged 25-44 asked in the survey about their physical health, 46 per cent said they ate a balanced healthy diet, 52 per cent enjoyed regular quality sleep but fewer than half (46 per cent) exercised regularly.
Generally, younger people were more likely to focus on their mental well-being, according to Dr Shaju George, a psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital in Dubai.
“There is no health without mental health,” she said.
“Younger generations across the globe, especially the ones from UAE, talk a lot about mental health issues – they don’t consider it a taboo subject any more. They do seek help and do not show any shame to acknowledge that fact.”
The UAE switch in health priorities reflects trends in the global agenda. A recent UN declaration formally placed mental health on an equal footing with chronic diseases like cancer and cardio vascular disease.
The document has yet to receive final approval by the UN General Assembly, but it signals a global shift towards mental illness being treated by everyday primary health clinics, rather than specialist centres.
Treatments offered locally by government health authorities could open up access to mental health care for a further 150 million people by 2030, the UN estimates.
“With insurance companies covering mental health as part of their policies, more residents have the means to access mental health care, which is a positive shift,” said Dr Sneha John, a psychologist at Medcare Camali Clinic.
“Post pandemic, I have seen an increase in individuals seeking help for stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, often reflecting a cultural shift towards valuing mental health as a critical component of holistic wellness.”
According to the World Health Organisation, more than a billion people are living with a mental health issue, but fewer than seven per cent are estimated to receive effective treatment, with service waiting times lasting months.
Dr Roberta Fedele, a clinical psychologist, at the BPS Clinic in Dubai said there had been a significant change in attitudes since 2010.
“The UAE has witnessed a significant shift in the perception of mental health, which has increasingly become a priority for many people,” she said.
“One of the main reasons for this change is the rapid growth of mental health and well-being centres, as well as the publication of numerous articles, research studies, and surveys.
“Additionally, several prominent public figures in the region have helped break the stigma by openly sharing their personal struggles and experiences.”
Dr Fedele said the most common mental health concerns she treated included adjustment issues related to relocation, anxiety and depression, as well as previously undiagnosed conditions such as adult ADHD.
“Relationship difficulties are also frequently reported, while among minors, neurodivergent conditions – including those on the autism spectrum – are quite common, along with learning difficulties and emotional and behavioural challenges.
“Unlike previous generations, millennials are more informed and aware of issues such as politics, climate change and financial realities – and they have not neglected mental health and well-being either.”
Killing of Qassem SuleimaniCOMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
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From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 171 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP) 151
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP) 136
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing) 107
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 83
6. Sergio Perez (Force India) 50
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 45
8. Esteban Ocon (Force India) 39
9. Carlos Sainz (Torro Rosso) 29
10. Felipe Massa (Williams) 22
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Company%20profile
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GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
Asian Cup 2019
Quarter-final
UAE v Australia, Friday, 8pm, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi – Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) – Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
WWE Evolution results
- Trish Stratus and Lita beat Alicia Fox and Mickie James in a tag match
- Nia Jax won a battle royal, eliminating Ember Moon last to win
- Toni Storm beat Io Shirai to win the Mae Young Classic
- Natalya, Sasha Banks and Bayley beat The Riott Squad in a six-woman tag match
- Shayna Baszler won the NXT Women’s title by defeating Kairi Sane
- Becky Lynch retained the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match
- Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women’s title by beating Nikki Bella
The biog
Age: 30
Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium
Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology
Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging
Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
HEADLINE HERE
- I would recommend writing out the text in the body
- And then copy into this box
- It can be as long as you link
- But I recommend you use the bullet point function (see red square)
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- That’s about it
How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The%20specs
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203S%20Money%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20London%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Zhiznevsky%2C%20Eugene%20Dugaev%20and%20Andrei%20Dikouchine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%245.6%20million%20raised%20in%20total%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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‘Munich: The Edge of War’
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
The specs: 2018 Renault Megane
Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200
Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable transmission
Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km