UAE marks World Diabetes Day with push for early detection
November 17, 2025 Dubai
UAE Marks World Diabetes Day with Major Push for Early Detection
The UAE observes World Diabetes Day with nationwide initiatives focused on early screening, smart health systems, and promoting healthier lifestyles across all age groups.
UAE Marks World Diabetes Day With Push for Early Detection
The UAE has reaffirmed its leadership in public health by marking World Diabetes Day on November 14 with a strong focus on early detection, prevention, and smart healthcare systems. This year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” highlights how diabetes affects people of all ages and communities, making early diagnosis and lifestyle awareness more important than ever.
Across the Emirates, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) and local health authorities launched multiple programmes aimed at encouraging regular screening, promoting healthier habits, and enhancing smart digital systems to track and manage the disease. These efforts are part of the UAE’s long-term vision to build a proactive and sustainable healthcare system.
A National Priority: Preventing Diabetes Before It Starts
Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, emphasized that combating diabetes is a national priority, backed by unified efforts from the government, healthcare providers, and community organisations.
He stated that the UAE’s strategy is shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. “We are working with all relevant health authorities as one team to promote community health and ensure the sustainability of its well-being,” he said.
According to him, the expansion of smart diagnostic systems has already improved early detection rates across different age groups. Using AI-driven tools and advanced health platforms, authorities are now able to reach more people and identify at-risk individuals faster and more accurately.
Al Sayegh urged the public to participate in early screening, especially to detect pre-diabetes, which significantly reduces the chances of developing the condition later.
Abu Dhabi’s Smart Data System: A Game Changer
In Abu Dhabi, health leaders are using powerful digital tools to transform diabetes prevention.
Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said that while diabetes is a global health challenge, Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable due to its deep connection with lifestyle habits.
He highlighted the role of the Population Health Intelligence (PHI) platform, a smart digital ecosystem that integrates data from:
Clinical records
Lifestyle indicators
Environmental factors
Daily health patterns
This platform helps the emirate identify health trends, plan early interventions, and build evidence-based policies.
Thanks to this data-driven approach, Abu Dhabi has launched several proactive programmes, including:
1. ‘Check’ Comprehensive Screening Programme
A regular health check-up system that helps identify high-risk individuals and provide them with early guidance and support.
2. Personalised Weight Management Programme
A supervised programme designed to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight using customised plans and continuous monitoring.
Al Mansoori encouraged residents to adopt a prevention-oriented lifestyle, including routine check-ups, healthy eating, and regular physical activity.
Dubai Reports Positive Progress in Reducing Diabetes Rates
Dubai, too, has made significant strides in controlling diabetes. Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), noted that the emirate has successfully reduced its diabetes rate from 13.7% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2024.
He highlighted that the recently expanded Early Detection Healthcare Services for Emirati Citizens, announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has created a major shift in reducing chronic diseases, including diabetes.
DHA is also conducting a household health survey across Dubai to assess residents’ lifestyle patterns, diet quality, and overall health. This data helps officials create programmes that target the root causes of chronic illnesses.
The survey also revealed additional improvements:
Childhood obesity dropped from 17.3% in 2019 to 16.9% in 2024
Physical activity levels rose from 19.9% in 2019 to 36.9% in 2024
These changes reflect a growing public awareness of healthy lifestyles.
Sharjah Strengthens Early Detection and Community Awareness
Sharjah is equally committed to reducing diabetes rates. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, said that early detection and lifestyle awareness are the foundation of Sharjah’s approach.
The emirate has:
Expanded early diagnostic capabilities in health centres
Adopted advanced technologies for monitoring health indicators
Launched community initiatives to educate families about prevention
Dr. Al Muhairi urged residents to undergo regular check-ups and maintain healthy habits to improve quality of life and safeguard long-term community health.
A Unified National Effort
From Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Sharjah, the UAE is pushing forward with a powerful and coordinated effort to prevent diabetes. Through smart health systems, community-based initiatives, and strong government leadership, the nation is setting an example for proactive healthcare regionally and globally.
As World Diabetes Day highlights the importance of early detection, the UAE’s message is clear:
Prevention today means a healthier tomorrow for everyone.
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