The UAE has released one of its most comprehensive snapshots of national health to date, with new data highlighting persistent challenges around obesity, physical inactivity, nutrition and vitamin D deficiency.
Published by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025 provides an evidence-based foundation to strengthen preventive care and long-term health planning across the country.
Endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the survey was implemented in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, federal and local authorities, and national partners.
UAE health indicators
Statistical analysis of adults aged 18 and above shows that 8.7 per cent of participants smoke, while 59.1 per cent do not engage in sufficient physical activity.
The findings also reveal that:
- 22.4 per cent of adults are living with obesity
- 25.9 per cent have high blood pressure
- 12.5 per cent have elevated blood glucose levels
- 54.2 per cent have high cholesterol levels
Vitamin D deficiency remains a significant concern, affecting 49.3 per cent of adults aged 18 and above and 69.1 per cent of children aged 6 to 17.
Among children, 16.1 per cent of those aged 6 to 17 were living with obesity, compared to 2.2 per cent among children aged 0 to 5.
Measurements were analysed using World Health Organisation growth standards and advanced statistical tools based on the Z-score growth index.
Sugar, salt and energy in spotlight
The National Nutrition Survey examined dietary patterns among individuals aged 18 to 69 and found that 27.3 per cent exceeded recommended sugar intake, while 96.2 per cent exceeded recommended sodium intake.
In addition, 27.4 per cent reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages daily.
Average daily fibre intake reached 23.1 grams, while 56.1 per cent exceeded recommended fat intake. Average daily energy intake was recorded at 2,852.3 kilocalories per person.
Encouraging results were observed in dietary diversity, with 85.1 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 and 77.9 per cent of children aged 6 months to 5 years meeting the minimum dietary diversity threshold.
In maternal health, the findings showed continued improvement in access to care, with 99.6 per cent of women visiting a physician at least once during pregnancy and 94.8 per cent attending at least four antenatal care visits.
As the Year of the Family begins across the UAE, the findings provide a strong knowledge base to support integrated planning for family health across all life stages, with particular focus on maternal health, child wellbeing and healthy ageing.
Policy impact and national planning
Ahmed Ali Al-Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, said: “These findings provide a clear, evidence-based picture of population health trends and reinforce the importance of prevention, early intervention, and long-term planning.
“They support the UAE’s development journey in line with the leadership’s directives and government priorities, ensuring that health policy continues to place people’s wellbeing at the centre of national progress”.
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said the survey represents “an advanced model of institutional integration and joint statistical work at the federal and local levels” and a nationally owned knowledge asset supporting data-driven health policy.
Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, described the survey as a foundational pillar for developing effective health policies and strengthening efforts to reduce and prevent chronic diseases.
Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Al Mheiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, emphasised the importance of regular national surveys to support continuous monitoring of health indicators and informed decision-making.
Future readiness
Advanced digital tools and analytical technologies were used to process survey data, generate indicators with strong predictive value, and support evidence-based planning. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using WHO-approved electronic questionnaires in Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu, alongside laboratory testing.
The survey reached 20,000 households across the UAE, including 40 per cent citizens and 60 per cent residents, as well as 2,000 individuals living in workers’ accommodations, ensuring broad representation and a reliable foundation for future health planning.
Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, said the findings will guide innovative health programmes, expanded preventive screening and clearer health messaging to empower individuals to make healthier daily choices.
