UAE Lifelong Wellness Strategy: Building a Healthier Future for All

The UAE is taking a decisive step toward a healthier, more resilient society through its Lifelong Wellness Strategy, a comprehensive preventive health framework led by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Rather than focusing solely on treating disease, the strategy prioritizes prevention, healthy lifestyles, and community well-being across all life stages, from early childhood to adulthood.

At a recent session held during Dubai Future Food, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) spotlighted the UAE’s Lifelong Wellness Strategy as part of the broader dialogue on the future of food and health. During the session, Dr. Nof Al Jamei shared key insights into how the UAE is translating its wellness vision into action through national nutrition policies, school-based health programs, industry collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector engagement in achieving sustainable health outcomes.

From Treatment to Prevention: Why Lifelong Wellness Matters

Non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions continue to place significant pressure on healthcare systems worldwide and within the UAE, where prevalence of key risk factors remains high. Recent research in the UAE shows that about 26.5 % of young adults are obese, 22.4 % have high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia affects over 60 % of this group. National screening data also indicate that more than one third of the population has at least one modifiable risk factor such as overweight, obesity, or physical inactivity, with over 34 % of adults overweight and nearly 38 % classified as obese—figures that underscore the urgency of preventive action through lifestyle-focused national strategies.

By embedding wellness into education, food systems, workplaces, and communities, the strategy aims to make healthy living the default, not the exception. This approach aligns closely with national quality-of-life goals and long-term sustainability objectives.

Making Healthy Choices the Easy Choices

A core principle of MOHAP’s strategy is simple but powerful: the healthy choice should be the easier choice. This means shaping environments—physical, social, and commercial—so that individuals are naturally nudged toward better health outcomes.

Key actions include:

-Clear and consistent nutrition policies

-Updated school nutrition guidelines

-Encouraging food and beverage reformulation to reduce sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats

-Strengthening food labeling and transparency

Rather than relying on individual willpower alone, the strategy focuses on system-level change that supports healthier behavior at scale.

Nutrition at the Core: The National Nutrition Strategy

The UAE National Nutrition Strategy serves as a foundational pillar of the Lifelong Wellness Strategy. It addresses dietary risks across the population and promotes balanced, nutrient-dense diets that support long-term health.

The strategy emphasizes:

-Improving dietary quality across all age groups

-Reducing excessive intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fat

-Supporting healthier food environments at home, in schools, and in the marketplace

-Strengthening nutrition education and awareness

This national framework also recognizes the essential role of the food and beverage (F&B) sector in driving meaningful change.

Tackling Childhood Obesity Through Early Intervention

Childhood obesity remains a global and regional public health concern. MOHAP’s Childhood Obesity Program addresses this challenge by focusing on early, integrated interventions that support children before unhealthy habits become entrenched.

The program recognizes that nutrition alone is not enough. Physical activity, sleep, mental well-being, and family environments all play a critical role in shaping lifelong health.

The Massar School Health Program: Building Healthy Habits Early

One of the most impactful initiatives under the Lifelong Wellness Strategy is the Massar School Health Program. Designed for children aged six to nine, Massar integrates:

-Nutrition education

-Physical activity

-Sleep hygiene

-Mental and emotional well-being

Initially piloted in 15 schools, the program has now expanded to over 100 schools across the UAE. A key strength of Massar is its focus on empowering teachers and schools with training and resources, ensuring that healthy behaviors are reinforced consistently and sustainably.

By embedding wellness into the school environment, Massar helps establish habits that can last a lifetime.

Data That Drives Policy: The National Nutrition Survey

Evidence-based policymaking is central to MOHAP’s approach. The National Nutrition Survey—the first of its kind in the UAE—covers more than 10,000 households nationwide, providing the most comprehensive picture yet of dietary patterns, nutrition status, and lifestyle health risks.

Key highlights include:

-Nearly half of adults (49%) have vitamin D deficiency.

-16% of children aged 6–17 are classified as obese.

-Over 95% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake.

-Daily sugar consumption exceeds recommendations for 27% of adults.

-Childhood dietary diversity is strong, with 78% of children aged 6 months to 5 years meeting minimum diversity standards.

These findings will guide the next phase of national health and nutrition strategies, helping MOHAP design targeted, evidence-based interventions to improve dietary habits and long-term health outcomes across the UAE.

Industry as a Health Partner: Collaboration With the F&B Sector

A key theme that emerged during the session was the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Participants from government, academia, and the private sector—including leading F&B companies—called for a formal collaboration platform between MOHAP and the food industry.

Such a platform would help:

-Align reformulation efforts with national health goals

-Harmonize communication and messaging

-Amplify the impact of wellness and nutrition campaigns

Dr. Nof welcomed this recommendation, confirming plans for a dedicated engagement session with the F&B sector following the official update and endorsement of the national strategy.

Supporting F&B Companies in Achieving Reformulation and Labeling Goals

For F&B companies, aligning with national reformulation targets and updated labeling requirements can be complex. Digital nutrition analysis and AI-powered labeling platforms, such as NutriCal, provide a practical solution. These tools allow brands to accurately track nutrient content, adjust recipes, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. By streamlining nutrition calculations and facilitating transparent communication with health-conscious consumers, NutriCal helps companies adapt quickly while supporting the UAE’s broader wellness and nutrition objectives, turning compliance into an opportunity for innovation and healthier product offerings.

Technology, AI, and the Future of Health Awareness

The discussion also highlighted the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in public health. Digital tools can enhance awareness campaigns, personalize health messaging, and improve engagement across diverse population groups.

Integrating technology into wellness initiatives allows for:

-Scalable health education

-Better monitoring and evaluation

-More targeted and effective communication

These tools will be increasingly important as the UAE advances its preventive health agenda.

Sustainability, Food Security, and Climate-Sensitive Diets

The upcoming national framework is expected to further integrate sustainability and climate-sensitive dietary guidelines, linking human health with environmental responsibility.

By aligning wellness policies with food security strategies and food waste reduction efforts, the UAE is reinforcing a holistic vision of resilience—one that supports both population health and sustainable food systems.

Shared Accountability: A Whole-of-Society Approach to Wellness

The session concluded with a clear message: advancing the UAE’s wellness vision requires shared accountability. Government entities, industry leaders, educators, researchers, and communities all have a role to play.

By building a culture of health that starts in schools, extends to homes, and is supported by policy and industry action, the UAE is laying the foundation for a healthier future for all.