Prime Highlight
- New MoHAP data shows steady improvements in public health, reflecting the UAE’s shift toward prevention-focused healthcare.
- Officials say long-term public health campaigns and stronger health systems are delivering measurable results.
Key Facts
- Smoking fell by 2.4%, physical activity rose by 11.7%, and obesity declined by 14.8% between 2010 and 2025.
- Despite progress, 22.4% of adults remain obese and 59.1% do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
Background
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) released new health data showing steady progress in key health areas, highlighting the UAE’s move towards prevention-focused healthcare.
The findings come from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025, which tracks population health trends over the past 15 years. The data shows that smoking prevalence has dropped by 2.4% during this period. People’s physical activity increased by 11.7% over seven years, while obesity rates dropped by 14.8% from 2010 to 2025. The share of people living with high blood pressure has also fallen by 2.9% in the last seven years.
MoHAP said the improvements reflect years of public health campaigns, better access to care and closer cooperation between health and social sectors.
Even with this progress, the survey points out concerns. 22.4% of adults are still obese, and 59.1% don’t get enough physical activity. High blood pressure affects 25.9% of adults, while 12.5% have raised blood glucose and 54.2% show high cholesterol levels.
Child health data shows that 16.1% of kids aged 6 to 17 are obese, and 2.2% of kids under five. Vitamin D deficiency is common, affecting almost half of adults and more than two-thirds of kids aged 6 to 17.
On maternal health, the UAE continues to perform strongly. The survey found that 99.6% of women visited a doctor at least once during pregnancy and 94.8% attended four or more antenatal check-ups.
The study followed World Health Organization standards and included interviews and lab tests in several languages. Minister of Health Ahmed Al-Sayegh said the results will guide future health planning and help focus resources on families, children and healthy ageing.
MoHAP said the data will support future policies and contribute to the UAE’s goals under the UN Sustainable Development framework.
