United Arab Emirates – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in the UAE?

Cardiovascular disease stands as the foremost cause of death in the UAE, responsible for roughly 28% of all fatalities. Other significant contributors include accidents and trauma, various cancers, and congenital conditions. This pattern reflects a broader shift in how the country’s people live and work day to day.

Since gaining independence in 1971, the UAE has undergone extraordinary economic and industrial transformation, driving a transition away from traditional semi-nomadic ways of life toward a modern, technology-dependent urban existence marked by reduced physical movement and heavy reliance on calorie-dense convenience foods. The predictable outcome has been a sharp rise in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease across the population.

A group of medical and public health specialists identified the four foremost public health challenges as follows: cardiovascular disease, which was responsible for more than 25% of deaths in 2010; injuries, which caused 17% of mortality across all age groups; cancer, which accounted for 10% of all deaths; and respiratory conditions, the second most prevalent non-fatal health problem.

Non-communicable diseases are responsible for approximately 77% of all deaths in the UAE — a figure consistent with the country’s high-income classification and predominantly urban population, and broadly in line with rates recorded across Western Europe.

Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the UAE, driven predominantly by tobacco use. The Abu Dhabi Department of Health reports that 71% of lung cancer deaths in the emirate are attributable to smoking. Across the country, approximately 4,500 new cancer cases are recorded each year.

Haemoglobinopathies rank among the most common hereditary disorders affecting UAE nationals, with beta-thalassaemia representing a particular public health concern. Research has found that the UAE has one of the highest carrier rates for beta-thalassaemia in the Persian Gulf region, at 8.5%. While expats are unlikely to be directly affected by these genetically inherited disorders, understanding their prevalence helps explain the UAE’s pre-marital testing requirements and related public health infrastructure.

Beyond the well-recognised chronic conditions of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, other ailments including asthma, respiratory problems, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are becoming more common. Respiratory infections — particularly influenza and pneumonia — also occur regularly, especially during the cooler winter season, and can be most severe among young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

Is the UAE considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

In the 2023/2024 Human Development Report, the UAE was placed first in the region and 17th globally — a rise of nine positions compared to the prior year. This composite index measures overall wellbeing across health, education, and living standards, and the UAE’s performance places it solidly among the world’s most developed nations.

The UAE’s life expectancy at birth stood at 79.2 years, which contributes meaningfully to the third Sustainable Development Goal focused on good health and wellbeing. According to World Bank data current to 2022, this figure has remained stable at approximately 79.2 years. It is broadly comparable to life expectancy in many high-income European countries, though it is worth noting that the UAE’s relatively young and predominantly working-age expatriate population can partially elevate this average.

The UAE appears alongside Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar in the list of the top 20 countries globally for diabetes burden. Diabetes is estimated to affect around 19% of the UAE population, and according to the Dubai Health Authority, the UAE ranks 10th in the world for diabetes prevalence. This places the country considerably higher on this specific indicator than most Western European or East Asian nations.

Despite strong healthcare infrastructure and sustained public investment, the burden of lifestyle-related disease remains a genuine concern. Cancer accounts for 12% of all deaths, chronic respiratory diseases for 5%, and diabetes for a further 5% of total mortality. For the most up-to-date figures, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO country profile for the UAE or the UAE government’s official health portal.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in the UAE?

Given the substantial inward flow of expatriate workers and a constant stream of tourists arriving from every corner of the globe, infectious diseases remain a relevant area of public health attention in the UAE. That said, communicable diseases were not identified among the country’s four priority public health concerns, reflecting the UAE’s high-income status and well-developed health infrastructure. For most expats, the overall risk of serious infectious disease is considerably lower here than in many other parts of the Middle East and Africa.

Disease prevention and control in the UAE is pursued through a range of mechanisms, including legislation targeting communicable diseases, national vaccination programmes, the operation of medical fitness centres for residency applicants, a dedicated travellers’ clinic, and specialist facilities for tuberculosis treatment.

Every expatriate seeking employment in the UAE must undergo screening for communicable diseases — including tuberculosis (via chest X-ray) and HIV (via serology) — before residency status is granted. Additional screening is required for specific occupational categories such as healthcare professionals, food handlers, domestic workers, and drivers. This pre-residency health assessment is a compulsory step in the visa process and applies to all nationalities without exception.

The major international airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah function as significant transit hubs connecting travellers worldwide, meaning that large numbers of people from diverse health backgrounds are constantly passing through. This creates some potential exposure to respiratory infections. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) runs a yearly national awareness campaign encouraging all residents to get immunised and protect those around them.

There is no malaria risk for residents living in urban areas of the UAE, and tap water in major cities is treated and formally considered safe to drink. However, because water is produced primarily through desalination, many residents opt for bottled or filtered water out of preference, especially in older buildings where tank maintenance may be inconsistent. Air quality presents another consideration: sandstorms are a regular feature of the climate, particularly from spring through summer, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations can surge dramatically during these events, worsening respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Lifestyle and environmental pressures — including chronic air pollution, elevated stress, and sedentary habits — have together contributed to higher rates of respiratory and other illnesses.

Expats should review the travel health guidance issued by their home country’s relevant authority — such as the UK’s TravelHealthPro, the US CDC Travel Health, or equivalent national bodies — for current vaccination advice before relocating. Standard vaccines including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and up-to-date routine boosters are generally advisable. Confirm the latest requirements directly with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

Is smoking common in the UAE, and what are the laws around it?

According to a 2010 Ministry of Health and Prevention report, the prevalence of tobacco use stood at 21.6% among men and 1.9% among women. Smoking rates are markedly higher among men than women and vary considerably across different expatriate communities. Overall figures showed 24.3% prevalence among males and 0.8% among females, with the greatest concentration among men aged 20–39 years.

Beyond conventional cigarettes, shisha (waterpipe) smoking is deeply embedded in the social fabric of the region. Among UAE nationals, midwakh use — a traditional Emirati pipe — was recorded at 16%, compared with 4% among Arab expatriates and 3% among other expatriate groups. Shisha cafes are widespread and remain a popular social setting, though the regulatory environment governing them has become progressively stricter.

The UAE’s legal framework around smoking is well established. In 2008, the government of Sharjah implemented a blanket ban on all forms of smoking in public spaces, including shisha. Dubai Municipality subsequently banned shisha smoking in parks, beaches, and all public recreational zones, and also prohibited pregnant women from entering shisha cafes regardless of whether they intended to smoke.

In 2017, the UAE introduced an excise tax on goods considered harmful to human health or the environment, with tobacco products among the primary targets. This move broadly aligned the UAE’s tobacco tax approach with policies in Western Europe, although rates remain lower than in high-tax jurisdictions such as Australia or Norway. The UAE government has pursued a multi-pronged strategy: raising the financial cost of tobacco through taxation, conducting sustained public awareness campaigns, and ensuring that healthcare professionals routinely advise patients to quit, backed by both behavioural and pharmacological cessation support.

The UAE’s National Tobacco Control Committee is working toward a comprehensive ban on smoking in all public areas, and reducing tobacco consumption is listed as one of the key performance indicators within the UAE National Agenda. Expats who smoke should note that violations of non-smoking zone regulations can result in financial penalties, and that restrictions on indoor smoking in malls, government buildings, and most workplaces are actively enforced.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in the UAE?

Obesity has become a pressing public health challenge in the UAE, with health authorities identifying it as one of the leading drivers of preventable death in the country. The problem cuts across age groups and is fuelled by a convergence of factors: rapid shifts in lifestyle norms, the ubiquity of fast food, and summer heat so extreme it actively discourages outdoor exercise.

Data from the UAE Healthy Future Study (2023) revealed strikingly high rates of cardiometabolic risk factors among young adults: obesity was estimated at approximately 26.5%, dyslipidaemia at around 62.7%, hypertension at approximately 22.4%, and central obesity at roughly 22.5%.

Survey findings have shown that 40% of school-age children in the UAE are overweight and 15% are clinically obese. Increased fast food consumption and declining levels of physical activity among young people are consistently cited as the primary contributing factors. These rates are notably elevated by international standards. According to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, the proportion of obese children in the UAE is 1.8 times that observed in the United States.

Approximately one in four UAE citizens has diabetes, with prevalence estimated at around 20% across all residents and 25% among Emirati nationals. Diabetes and obesity are closely interconnected, and both feature prominently in the government’s public health priorities. As of 2021, 11.809% of the total UAE population was living with diabetes, and reducing this figure forms one of the key targets within the UAE National Agenda 2021’s world-class healthcare pillar.

Government health strategies target a reduction in the prevalence of chronic and nutrition-related conditions including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, anaemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiencies, alongside promoting greater physical activity. A wide array of public health campaigns, workplace wellness initiatives, and school nutrition programmes have been put in place. The Dubai Health Authority has additionally deployed artificial intelligence tools to identify and manage diabetes risk at a population level.

For expats, the plentiful availability of international cuisines, generous portion sizes, and a strong culture of dining out can make maintaining balanced eating habits genuinely challenging. Vitamin D deficiency is also surprisingly common in the UAE — a notable paradox given the year-round sun — because extreme temperatures drive most residents indoors during the peak summer months, significantly reducing sun exposure.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in the UAE?

Mental health conditions including anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly recognised in the UAE. Yet the cultural landscape around seeking help can complicate access to care. Stigma surrounding mental illness exists across many of the UAE’s diverse communities — as it does in numerous societies worldwide — and may be more pronounced in certain groups due to concerns about professional reputation, employment security, or residency status.

At the national level, the UAE government has established a National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health, demonstrating a formal commitment to recognising mental wellbeing as a genuine public health concern. The Ministry of Health and Prevention holds overall responsibility for mental health policy across the federation, while emirate-level bodies such as the Dubai Health Authority and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre manage localised service provision and oversight.

Public mental health services in the UAE are less comprehensive than the fully integrated systems found in countries with universal public healthcare — such as the NHS in the United Kingdom or equivalent systems in Germany or France — where mental health support is embedded within primary care. In the UAE, the majority of mental health support is delivered through the private sector, with a growing number of psychiatric clinics, counselling centres, and psychology practices now operating across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For expats, private health insurance is the principal pathway to mental health care. Many employer-provided insurance packages include at least a basic level of mental health coverage, though limits on the number of covered sessions or exclusions for pre-existing conditions are frequently encountered. Reviewing the specifics of your policy thoroughly before you relocate is strongly advised. Internationally trained therapists and teletherapy platforms are increasingly available throughout the UAE and can offer a more familiar therapeutic approach for those newly arrived.

Mental health disorders, alongside conditions such as asthma, elevated cholesterol, and other prevalent ailments, are attracting growing attention as a public health concern in the UAE, with environmental stressors, chronic air pollution, workplace pressures, and sedentary routines all identified as contributing factors. Expats navigating relocation stress, cultural adjustment, distance from family, or employment uncertainty may find themselves at heightened risk, and seeking support proactively — rather than waiting until difficulties become severe — is a sensible approach.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in the UAE?

Expats face a distinct set of health challenges upon moving to the UAE, many tied to the severity of the climate, the intensity of urban life, and the transition from different dietary and activity patterns. Familiarising yourself with these risks before arrival can meaningfully improve your wellbeing.

• Extreme heat: Summer temperatures in the UAE regularly surpass 40°C (104°F), and high coastal humidity makes conditions feel even more oppressive than the thermometer suggests. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are genuine medical risks, particularly for outdoor workers, those who have recently arrived, and anyone attempting to exercise outside during the hottest parts of the day. Staying well hydrated, avoiding midday outdoor activity from June through September, and knowing the early warning signs of heat-related illness are all essential precautions.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Despite abundant sunshine throughout the year, the widespread use of air-conditioned interiors means that many UAE residents — expats and nationals alike — have clinically low vitamin D levels. A blood test shortly after arrival, followed by supplementation if indicated, is commonly recommended by local general practitioners.
• Air quality and sandstorms: Elevated levels of air pollution and sandstorm-related particulate matter (PM2.5) are associated with higher rates of respiratory chronic disease in the UAE. Expats with asthma, seasonal allergies, or other respiratory conditions should keep a close eye on air quality alerts and ensure medication is always at hand.
• Communicable disease screening: All expatriate workers applying for employment in the UAE must undergo testing for communicable diseases — including tuberculosis and HIV — as a mandatory component of the residency visa process. It is worth being aware of this requirement and preparing accordingly before you begin your application.
• Diet and lifestyle drift: The UAE’s fast-paced environment, long working hours, and the easy availability of energy-dense foods combine to create conditions in which unhealthy habits can develop gradually. Expats are advised to be deliberate about maintaining physical activity and sound nutritional practices from the very start of their time in the country.
• Health insurance coverage: Health insurance is a legal requirement for employees and their dependants in Abu Dhabi, and for employees in Dubai. However, the extent of coverage can vary enormously from one policy to the next. Expats should verify that their insurance adequately addresses their individual circumstances, including any pre-existing conditions, maternity care, dental treatment, and mental health services.

Registering with a local GP or family medicine practice as soon as you arrive — whether through a public health centre or a private clinic — is strongly recommended. Many expats also choose to undergo a comprehensive baseline health check shortly after settling in, establishing reference values for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and other key health indicators.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in the UAE?

The UAE maintains a well-developed network of official health bodies and digital resources. The following represent the most authoritative sources for expats seeking health guidance:

• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP): The federal authority responsible for health policy, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns across all seven emirates. MoHAP’s website publishes guidance on vaccination schedules, communicable disease management, medicines regulation, and national health strategies.
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA): Regulates healthcare services in Dubai and offers guidance for residents and visitors alike, covering health insurance requirements and the directory of licensed practitioners operating in the emirate.
• Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH): Oversees health regulation across Abu Dhabi emirate and provides public health guidance, screening programmes, and licensing information for healthcare providers.
• WHO UAE Country Profile: Offers internationally benchmarked health statistics and mortality data for the UAE, updated on a periodic basis.
• UAE Government Health Portal (u.ae): The official consolidated government portal covering a broad range of health topics including chronic disease management, vaccination policy, mental health legislation, and healthcare regulation.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention and emirate-level health authorities are the primary channels through which official health communications, updated guidelines, and communicable disease information are disseminated in the UAE. Expats are advised to bookmark these official resources rather than depending on social media groups or informal online forums for health guidance.

It is important to keep in mind that vaccination requirements, health screening protocols, insurance regulations, and public health directives are all subject to change. Always cross-check current information with official sources both before you move and after you have settled in. Your home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE can also provide referrals to trusted local healthcare providers if you are unsure where to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in the UAE

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to the UAE?

The UAE government does not currently mandate specific vaccinations for entry from most countries, but a number are strongly advisable. These typically include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, seasonal influenza, and confirming that routine immunisations such as MMR and tetanus are current. Check the latest advice from your home country’s travel health authority and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, as both recommendations and requirements can change over time.

Is the UAE’s tap water safe to drink?

Tap water in the UAE’s major cities undergoes treatment and meets international safety benchmarks, as it is produced predominantly through desalination. That said, water quality can be affected by building storage tanks that are not always properly maintained. As a precaution, many residents — both expats and nationals — choose bottled or filtered water, particularly in older residential buildings.

Is private health insurance mandatory for expats in the UAE?

Health insurance is compulsory for all residents of Abu Dhabi and for employees (and in some circumstances their dependants) in Dubai. Employers typically arrange this coverage, but self-employed expats and those residing on family or investor visas should secure their own policies. The precise coverage requirements differ between emirates, so it is important to check the applicable regulations with the relevant health authority before you arrive — this is an area of policy that can evolve.

How serious is the heat risk in the UAE, and how do I protect myself?

Heat poses a real and serious health risk in the UAE, especially during the June to September period when temperatures frequently exceed 40°C and coastal humidity compounds the discomfort significantly. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in quickly, particularly among those not yet acclimatised. Maintain consistent hydration throughout the day, avoid being outdoors during the hottest period (broadly 10am to 4pm in summer), opt for lightweight and loose clothing, and seek immediate medical attention if you or someone nearby displays symptoms of heat stroke such as disorientation or loss of consciousness.

Is diabetes or obesity something I personally need to worry about as an expat?

The UAE’s food landscape — defined by an abundance of fast food options, sizeable portion norms, and a strong dining-out culture — combined with reduced outdoor activity due to the heat and typically long working hours, creates conditions in which unhealthy metabolic trends can develop. Expats are not immune to type 2 diabetes or weight gain. Getting a baseline health check upon arrival, tracking blood glucose and body weight regularly, and making use of the UAE’s widely available indoor fitness facilities are all practical ways to stay on top of your health.

Are mental health services available in English or other languages in the UAE?

Yes. Reflecting the UAE’s highly international demographic, many private clinics and therapists based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide services in a broad spectrum of languages, including Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Urdu, and others. Online therapy platforms are also widely utilised. Mental health coverage under private insurance policies varies, so review the details of your plan before making any bookings. The UAE government’s National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health is actively raising public awareness of these issues, though the majority of expats continue to access support through private channels.

What is the risk of infectious disease in the UAE compared to other Middle Eastern countries?

The UAE carries a relatively low burden of serious infectious disease compared to many of its regional neighbours, a reflection of its high-income status, robust public health systems, and the mandatory communicable disease screening applied to all workers during the residency visa process. Seasonal respiratory infections, particularly influenza, remain common. Expats arriving from countries with higher rates of tuberculosis or hepatitis B will undergo screening as part of the residency application. Updated guidance from the WHO and your home country’s health authority should always be consulted before travelling.

Where should I register as a patient after moving to the UAE?

The most common route for expats is to register with a private clinic or hospital, though access to government primary healthcare centres may also be available depending on your visa category and insurance arrangements. The Dubai Health Authority publishes a searchable directory of licensed healthcare facilities on its website, while the Abu Dhabi Department of Health maintains its own list of approved providers. In practice, your employer’s HR department or insurance provider is often the quickest and most practical starting point for identifying clinics within your coverage network.