Abu Dhabi has launched an ambitious public health campaign aimed at tackling obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases through a wide-ranging set of initiatives designed to make healthy living easier for residents across the emirate.
The programme, introduced under Healthy Living Abu Dhabi by the Department of Health, includes 25 new initiatives focused on improving diet, physical activity, mental wellbeing and sleep — key factors driving long-term health outcomes.
Health authorities say the initiative marks a major shift toward prevention as non-communicable diseases continue to account for a significant share of deaths in Abu Dhabi despite its relatively young population.
Prevention-Focused Strategy
Officials say the campaign is designed to integrate healthy habits into everyday life by improving environments where people live, work, study and shop.
“Healthy Living is about embedding prevention into daily routines,” officials said, noting that lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions remain largely preventable.
Authorities estimate that nearly two-thirds of deaths in Abu Dhabi are linked to chronic diseases, highlighting the urgency of early intervention and lifestyle improvements.
Four Pillars of Health
The Healthy Living Strategy is built around four core pillars:
Physical activity
Healthy diet
Mental wellbeing
Quality sleep
Government agencies and private-sector partners will work together to deliver programmes tailored to different age groups and communities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Fitness accessibility is a key priority, with plans to upgrade existing facilities and build new community sports venues closer to residential areas.
Community-based fitness initiatives and public wellness events will also expand to encourage residents to stay active.
Major Changes to Food Policies
Food reform is one of the most significant components of the new health drive.
A new Nutri-Mark nutrition labelling system will be introduced on packaged foods, grading products from A (healthiest) to E (least healthy) to help residents make informed food choices.
Additional measures include:
Restrictions on unhealthy food advertising
Healthier food standards in schools and government workplaces
Improved supermarket layouts promoting healthier options
Removal of unhealthy products from high-traffic store areas
Authorities stress that the programme does not ban foods but instead encourages healthier decisions through smarter design and awareness.
Schools and Workplaces Included
Healthy food policies will be introduced across schools, with private and charter schools required to provide only nutritious food and drinks, followed by public schools.
Government entities will also ensure that at least 70% of food and beverages served in workplaces meet approved nutrition standards.
Medical Support and Treatment
The initiative also strengthens medical support through weight management programmes for residents living with obesity and diabetes.
Weight-loss medications will be covered by insurance when combined with lifestyle intervention programmes, reinforcing the strategy’s prevention-first approach.
A Long-Term Vision for Health
Authorities say success will be measured through improved lifestyle habits in the short term and long-term reductions in obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The strategy represents a major shift from reactive healthcare to prevention-driven public health, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in tackling chronic diseases.
More initiatives are expected to be introduced in the coming months as the programme expands across the emirate.
