Abu Dhabi Launches 25-Point Healthy Living Drive to Combat Chronic Diseases

Source: ChatGpt

Abu Dhabi has introduced a wide-ranging public health strategy to reduce obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other noncommunicable diseases through 25 coordinated initiatives across the emirate.

The programme, operating under the Healthy Living Abu Dhabi framework led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is designed to embed prevention into daily life rather than rely solely on hospital-based care. Officials say the strategy focuses on reshaping environments — from supermarkets and schools to workplaces and public spaces — to make healthier choices more accessible and practical.

A System-Level Approach to Prevention

According to Ahmed Al Khazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the initiative is built on the principle that long-term health outcomes are largely influenced by non-clinical factors.

Health authorities note that noncommunicable diseases account for a significant proportion of mortality globally, and within Abu Dhabi, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions represent a major health burden.

Four Core Pillars

The Healthy Living Strategy is structured around four pillars:

• Physical activity
• Balanced nutrition
• Mental well-being
• Quality sleep

The Department of Health coordinates initiatives delivered in partnership with other government entities and private-sector stakeholders.

Community-driven programmes such as Degayeg — launched by the Department of Community Development — have already delivered hundreds of public fitness events across the emirate, according to coverage by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Schools, Workplaces and Retail Reform

Educational institutions are central to the strategy. The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has mandated healthier food and beverage standards in private and charter schools, with similar policies being rolled out to public schools.

On the retail front, the introduction of Nutri Mark front-of-pack labelling will grade packaged food products based on nutritional content. Supermarket placement reforms and advertising guidelines are being coordinated alongside economic authorities.

The strategy was formally endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, reinforcing its status as a long-term structural policy shift toward prevention.

Integrating Medical Support

The initiative includes expanded access to medical interventions for individuals already affected by obesity and diabetes. The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre continues to implement structured weight management programmes combining medical treatment with lifestyle support.

Officials emphasize that pharmaceutical interventions are intended to complement behavioural change rather than replace it.

Measuring Long-Term Impact

Authorities will track short-term participation rates and behavioural change, while long-term success will be measured by reductions in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease rates.

The programme represents a coordinated move toward preventive health policy, combining regulatory reform, community engagement, education standards, and clinical support under a unified strategy framework.