Dubai invests AED105 million in ‘mental wealth’
Mental health is no longer a direction of travel for Dubai, it’s a destination.
For Dubai is investing in ‘mental wealth’ with a new, comprehensive framework launched by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and backed by a budget of AED105 million.
This initiative is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to make the Emirate the top destination for living, working, and visiting.
Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Mental Wealth Framework is designed to support the mental well-being of everyone in Dubai.
His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the DHA, emphasised that mental health is a key part of our overall health and is crucial for the welfare of our community.
The Mental Wealth Framework will enhance Dubai’s unique lifestyle and support its diverse community. Using the latest best practices and innovative solutions, it aims to achieve high levels of overall well-being and benchmarks against the top global models.
Key Objectives
The Mental Wealth Framework includes ten initiatives that will be rolled out over the next five years. These initiatives aim to integrate mental health services, including early detection, intervention, and prevention. The framework targets all segments of society, providing initiatives for early detection of factors affecting mental and emotional health. It also aims to deliver high-quality care, support, and counseling to enhance psychological and community stability.
The framework also focuses on the educational environment, empowering school staff and parents to support students’ psychological development. Additionally, it aims to boost overall satisfaction and happiness among community members.
Promoting research and innovation is another strategic goal, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to making data-driven decisions. A series of studies will be conducted to ensure continuous measurement and achievement of psychological and community stability, especially for groups like the elderly, children, people of determination, and those with chronic diseases.
This Mental Wealth Framework is set to significantly impact Dubai’s community, reinforcing its status as a global leader in quality of life and well-being.
“We were listening, and yes it’s happening.”
Dr. Khulood Alsayegh, Head of Policies & Standards, Dubai Health Authority, who is a judge for ‘the mentl awards 2024’ said: “The mental health workshop we had earlier this year on “shattering stigma in mental wellbeing “ with Advance Health at Dubai Science Park came with a lot of initiatives and policy recommendations. Yes we were listening and yes it is happening.
“The Mental Wealth Framework will play an important role in the implementation of Dubai Social Agenda 33, a project launched this year aimed at making the emirate “the world’s best destination for living, working, and visiting”.
“The strategic objectives, discussed in the workshop is now included, early detection programmes of mental health disorders, emphasis on mental health awareness in schools, providing easier access to mental health care for those in need and insurance coverage.
“I am so proud to be leading the development of standards, policies and scope of practices for the DHA mental health strategy with a focus on the strategic objectives and the role of technology in mental health accessibility , early detection and shifting the role of mental health management from HR to health and safety department.”
Dubai Social Agenda 33
The framework supports the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33, aiming to make Dubai one of the top three cities globally for living standards and to achieve a top ten ranking in life expectancy.
By highlighting and expanding the mental well-being aspects that Dubai offers, the framework seeks to establish the highest standards of well-being within the community.
