Abu Dhabi Reimagines Mental Health: A Society Where Seeking Support Is a Sign of Strength

9 Oct, 2025:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has reaffirmed its commitment to making mental health and well-being a fundamental pillar of public health. Marking World Mental Health Day 2025, the Department is driving a powerful message: that mental health and well-being deserves the same level of attention and support as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Globally, mental health disorders remain one of the leading causes of disability, affecting one in four people at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Abu Dhabi, the Department continues to take proactive steps to build a system that supports individuals across every stage of life, from early prevention and education to accessible, specialized care.

Abu Dhabi’s approach to mental health is built on integration and innovation. The Department has embedded mental health screenings into primary care, introduced maternal mental health assessments within postnatal home visits, and launched a clinically guided mental health self-assessment through the Sahatna app for adults aged 18 and older. The tool provides personalised insights and practical tips to help individuals monitor their emotional well-being and know when to seek professional guidance.

Today, the emirate is home to 143 facilities offering mental health services with 13 specialised mental health facilities and more than 640 specialised professionals, ensuring that every citizen and resident has access to trusted, evidence-based care.

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: “In Abu Dhabi, we believe caring for mental health is a shared responsibility. That is why we are working to build a culture where mental wellness is seen as strength, not stigma; where very person feels supported, understood, and empowered to seek help. Because health is not only about the body, it’s about the mind and the heart of our community.”

To reinforce its message of openness and empathy, the Department will launch ‘Beauty of Our Mind’, a public activation designed to engage and inspire the community. Set to kick off later this week at Umm Al Emarat Park, the activation will feature immersive experiences, hands-on workshops, interactive installations, and educational talks led by experts and advocates. The initiative aims to spark honest conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to care for themselves and one another.

Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi invites everyone to see mental health and well-being as a shared journey, one that grows stronger through connection, compassion, and collective awareness.

The Department’s efforts reflect Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for a healthy, inclusive, and resilient society, one that ensures every individual can access the care, understanding, and community support they deserve.

As the world observes World Mental Health Day 2025, Abu Dhabi’s message is clear: the mind deserves the same care as the body. Through digital innovation, integrated healthcare, and public engagement, the emirate continues to redefine what it means to live well, together.