UAE Mental Health Initiatives
PureHealth launched SAKINA for Children in Abu Dhabi in June 2026, expanding access to psychiatric and developmental services for children and adolescents up to age 18. As of July 2026, the UAE continues to roll out comprehensive mental health initiatives, including the opening of Uniquely You Mental Health Center in Dubai, the 'Mental Health 360' initiative, and mandatory basic mental health coverage in all Dubai Health Authority-regulated insurance plans. These efforts complement existing services like the 'Itma'en' service in Dubai and the 24/7 'SAKINA' hotline in Abu Dhabi, both launched on March 1, 2026, to provide free and confidential mental well-being support. The 'Skills for Life' initiative, incorporating mental well-being into its curriculum, is set to begin in Dubai in the 2026-27 academic year, further solidifying the UAE's commitment to mental health under Federal Law No. 10 of 2023 on Psychiatric Health.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 3 developments
UAE Enhances Mental Health Support with New Hotlines and Conferences
Dubai and Abu Dhabi hosted mental health conferences in July 2026, including the International Conference on Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology and Mental Health, and the International Symposium on Cognitive Psychology, Psychiatry and Mental Health. The 'Itma'en' service, offering free mental wellbeing guidance via hotline 800506, was launched on July 15, 2024, and Abu Dhabi activated its 24/7 mental health support hotline, 800-SAKINA.
UAE launches SAKINA for Children network to expand mental health services
In June 2026, PureHealth launched SAKINA for Children in Abu Dhabi, a specialized network expanding access to psychiatric and developmental services for children and adolescents up to age 18. This initiative complements the 'Itma'en' service in Dubai, which offers free, confidential mental well-being guidance via hotline 800506.
UAE to Integrate Mental Well-being into Curriculum with 'Skills for Life' Initiative
Dubai's 'Skills for Life' initiative, which will incorporate mental well-being into its curriculum, is set to begin in the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader commitment to mental health, which includes Federal Law No. 10 of 2023 on Psychiatric Health and services like the 'Itma'en' service and 'SAKINA' hotline.
June 2026 — 1 developments
UAE's first neurodivergent-owned mental health clinic opens in Dubai
The UAE's first neurodivergent-owned mental health clinic, Uniquely You Mental Health Center, has opened in Dubai. The center offers neurodiversity-affirming care, focusing on individualized support for conditions such as autism and ADHD.
March 2026 — 7 developments
Dubai Healthcare City launches mental wellbeing program; Aspris Healthcare expands youth mental health services
Dubai Healthcare City has launched the 'DHCC Mental Wellbeing Community Talks Programme' to foster awareness and dialogue on mental health. Additionally, Aspris Healthcare is offering specialized outpatient mental health treatment for young people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, contributing to the expanding network of support services across the UAE.
UAE launches 'Mental Health 360' initiative and Federal Mental Health Law
The UAE launched the 'Mental Health 360' initiative in January 2026, integrating mental well-being into nationwide healthcare services to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention. The UAE Federal Mental Health Law, effective May 30, 2024, protects the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and imposes obligations on employers. Dubai is also set to launch a self-help app utilizing AI for mental resilience strategies.
Al-Futtaim Health offers free mental health consultations in UAE
Al-Futtaim Health began offering free mental health consultations across the UAE through its HealthHub clinics on March 18, 2026. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance mental well-being in the country.
Dubai Health Authority Mandates Basic Mental Health Coverage in Insurance Plans by 2026
All Dubai Health Authority-regulated insurance plans are now required to include mandatory basic mental health coverage, encompassing outpatient psychiatric consultations, as of 2026. This regulatory change ensures greater access to essential mental health services.
UAE launches national program to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare
The UAE government, through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), is launching a national program to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare centers. This initiative aims for early diagnosis and treatment of common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. The UAE is also expanding mental health support through various other programs.
Abu Dhabi Launches 24/7 'SAKINA' Mental Health Hotline
Abu Dhabi also introduced its 24/7 'SAKINA' hotline, mirroring Dubai's efforts to provide accessible mental health support. This confidential service offers round-the-clock assistance and counseling to residents, reinforcing the emirate's commitment to mental well-being. The simultaneous launch of these hotlines across major emirates signifies a coordinated national effort to address mental health needs.
Dubai Launches 'Itma'en' Mental Well-being Hotline for Community Support
Dubai launched the 'Itma'en' mental well-being service, a free and confidential hotline designed to provide immediate support to individuals facing mental health challenges. This service was introduced in response to growing needs, including regional tensions, offering professional guidance and a safe space for callers. It represents a critical step in expanding accessible mental health resources for the community.
June 2025 — 1 developments
UAE launches 'Mental Health 360' campaign to raise awareness and reduce stigma
The 'Mental Health 360' campaign was launched across the UAE, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising public awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions. This campaign utilized various media channels and community events to promote open conversations about mental well-being. It encouraged individuals to seek help and highlighted available resources, fostering a more supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues.
June 2024 — 1 developments
Dubai launches 'Itma'en' service for free mental health support to all residents and visitors
Dubai has launched the 'Itma'en' service, offering free and confidential mental health support to all citizens, residents, and visitors. This joint initiative by Dubai Health, the Community Development Authority, and the Dubai Health Authority provides guidance via a hotline, 800506, operating daily from 9 am to midnight. Specialized counselors are available in Arabic and English, with complex cases referred to appropriate medical teams.
October 2023 — 1 developments
UAE Enacts New Mental Health Law, Replacing 1981 Legislation
The UAE published Federal Law No. (10) of 2023 on Mental Health, a landmark legislation designed to replace an outdated law from 1981. This new law aims to regulate the relationship between psychiatric patients and various parties, ensuring the provision of necessary healthcare according to the highest standards. It focuses on protecting the rights of individuals with mental health conditions, ensuring their dignity, and promoting their integration into society.
March 2022 — 1 developments
Dubai Health Authority Launches 'Mental Wealth Framework' to Enhance Mental Well-being
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched the 'Mental Wealth Framework', a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance mental well-being across the emirate. This framework focused on prevention, early intervention, and integrated care, aiming to create a supportive ecosystem for mental health. It emphasized community engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration to address mental health challenges effectively.
January 2020 — 1 developments
Study Reveals 57% of UAE Population Suffered Mental Health Disorder in 2020
A study conducted in 2020 revealed that a significant portion of the UAE population, specifically 57%, suffered from at least one mental health disorder. Anxiety and depression were identified as the most prevalent conditions, affecting 56.4% and 31.5% of the population respectively. This data underscored the critical need for improved mental health services and highlighted the challenges faced by residents in a rapidly evolving society.
January 2019 — 1 developments
MoHAP launches digital solutions, including VR, to advance mental healthcare in UAE
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced the launch of several digital solutions aimed at advancing mental and psychological care. These innovations included the use of virtual reality technology to help understand schizophrenia, allowing healthcare professionals to gain insights into patients' experiences. This marked a significant step towards integrating modern technology into mental health clinical practices in the UAE.
January 2017 — 1 developments
MoHAP developed National Policy for Promotion of Mental Health, Cabinet issued it
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) developed and the Cabinet issued the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health. This policy aimed to elevate mental health services to international standards through an effective system involving various stakeholders. It adopted a human rights-based approach, emphasizing values such as autonomy, participation, empowerment, fairness, acceptance, and integration in mental healthcare.