Post by : Maya Rahman

Abu Dhabi has unveiled its Healthy Living Initiative to enhance the health and wellness of its residents and citizens. Crafted by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, this strategy adopts a collaborative approach involving public and private sectors as well as the community to promote longer, healthier lives.

This initiative primarily targets the prevention of non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and cancer. It aims to integrate healthy living into daily routines by prioritizing disease prevention and overall wellbeing. This long-term plan seeks to unite various sectors to foster a healthier community in Abu Dhabi.

During its initial phase, the initiative will emphasize three core areas. The first is to enhance physical activity, encouraging movement in everyday tasks and promoting active lifestyles via improved infrastructure and programs. The next focus is on enhancing diet and nutrition, ensuring residents have access to healthy food options and awareness of balanced diets. The third pillar aims to expand knowledge around health, including the significance of mental wellbeing and sleep.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, remarked, “Health begins long before we visit a clinic. It is influenced by our diets, activity levels, and environment. Enhancing our movement and nutrition should shape our lifestyle choices. Through collaboration and informed insights, we can safeguard individuals, strengthen families, and cultivate resilient communities.”

A key goal of the initiative is to spark a change in behavior. While individuals are encouraged to take charge of their health, the plan is structured to facilitate healthier choices that are more practical. Leveraging digital intelligence, it identifies high-risk populations to offer tailored programs and policies for maximum effectiveness.

Dr. Ahmed AlKhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, stated, “Our aim is to make healthy living the easy option for all in Abu Dhabi. Health isn’t one-size-fits-all; therefore, our strategy is rooted in behavioral science to best address the areas requiring the most support.”

The initiative will also consolidate existing projects across Abu Dhabi to amplify their effectiveness. Initiatives include developing supportive facilities for exercise, ensuring better access to nutritious foods, and launching public awareness drives advocating healthy living practices.

In the coming year, over 20 initiatives have been sanctioned for implementation under this strategy, involving multiple government bodies as well as private sector collaborations to promote a healthier, more dynamic emirate. The plan aspires to effect durable change, embedding prevention and wellness at the heart of everyday life in Abu Dhabi.

With the Healthy Living Initiative, Abu Dhabi aims to significantly improve the health of its populace, lessen the burden of diseases, and empower residents and citizens to lead more fulfilling, productive lives.

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