There is no health without mental health
“Collaboration, early intervention, and a transformative shift in culture.”
That was the powerful message delivered by Dr. Zain Al Yafei, CEO of Sakina, during his keynote at mentl’s “Tearing Away the Stigma: The Future of Mental Health” event, held as part of Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week.
Dr. Zain reminded us: “Mental health cannot exist in isolation — it is a vital thread that weaves through every facet of our community, engaging all stakeholders.”
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During an impactful panel discussion Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of Community Health at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, called for cultural shifts, sharing: “We have to build an environment where asking for mental health support is seen as a strength, not a weakness.”
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of @Forbes Middle East, challenged the media and society with her inspiring keynote, saying:
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“It’s time for mental health to be covered not only on World Mental Health Day, but every day — in every conversation that shapes our future.”
Dr. Samer Makhoul, CEO and Consultant Psychiatrist of Reem Neuroscience Centre, reinforced this call to action, telling the invited audience of senior voices:
“We don’t just need to treat mental health — we need to treat the fear, the shame, and the isolation that come with it.”
Dr. Vedrana Mladina, UAE country chapter director of the Middle East Psychological Association, emphasised the urgency for visibility and action, saying:
“In mental health, our patients are often invisible with their struggles. We must tear away not just the silence, but also the invisibility.”
Hein van Eck, CEO of Mediclinic Middle East, emphasized that leadership must move beyond words, stating: “If mental health is a priority, it must be embedded in every operational strategy — not left on the sidelines as a discussion point.”
And David Hadley, CEO of NMC Healthcare, reminded us of the human side of healthcare, saying: “Every patient deserves to be cared for as a whole person — body and mind. True healthcare means seeing the full human being, not just the symptoms.”
🎙️ Hosted by mentl and recorded for the mentl space podcast, this powerful session was part of our inspiring Tear Away The Silence campaign, proudly supported by Viatris.
Together, we can break the stigma and build a future where mental health is at the heart of healthcare.
