Healthy Living, an Abu Dhabi government-led prevention and well-being program, focuses on a comprehensive set of strategic initiatives based on the Abu Dhabi Healthy Living Strategy. Twenty-five initiatives are underway to drive sustainable behavior change, improve population health, and make healthier choices easy, accessible, and part of everyday life for all citizens and residents. This is an important step in tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and enabling people to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Following the endorsement of the Healthy Living Strategy by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, during the Executive Council session, Healthy Living outlined measures for success with key government and private sector partners. There are currently 25 initiatives underway as part of the Healthy Living Strategy. It spans five key areas: strengthening infrastructure, programs, evidence-based policy and regulation, literacy and awareness, and improving access to health interventions.
Coordinated by Healthy Living and implemented by government agencies, private sector partners, communities, and individuals, this initiative focuses on removing barriers to incorporating daily healthy behaviors and creating a supportive environment that makes healthy choices the default option. The core of healthy living is to enable behavioral change by strengthening health literacy and awareness and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions.
The early stages of healthy living focus on increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and increasing awareness and knowledge. Initiatives addressing other key pillars of health, such as sleep and mental health, will be rolled out later this year.
His Excellency Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Abu Dhabi Ministry of Health, said: “We are changing the way health is created in Abu Dhabi by treating well-being as core infrastructure. “This level of coordination is complex, but essential to preventing disease, strengthening families, and enabling longer, healthier lives.”
His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Alkazraj, Executive Director of Healthy Living, said: “We want everyone to be able to eat well, move more and feel supported in managing their health every day. We aim to provide individuals with the information they need to make informed choices without compromising their interests. Our work is data-driven, grounded in community insights, and made possible through close collaboration with government agencies.”
“This is part of a broader shift from reactive care to a proactive and preventive approach to health, with a focus on early intervention both within and outside the health system. We believe this will be a model for other countries to learn from.”
Government agencies implementing the initiative include Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Project Infrastructure Center (ADPIC), Abu Dhabi Quality and Compliance Council (ADQCC), Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi Department of Regional Development (DCD), Abu Dhabi Regional Development Authority (DCD), and Abu Dhabi Municipality. Federal agencies including Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED), Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), Abu Dhabi Department of Government Capacity Development (DGE), Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Abu Dhabi City Transport Authority (DMT), Abu Dhabi Statistics Center (SCAD), and Ministry of Education (MOE). The launch of the initiative itself is expected to be announced by the implementing entity in the coming weeks and months.
Early milestones of the Healthy Living Program include new initiatives and policy reforms, including the launch of a new policy to promote responsible advertising of food and beverages across the emirate’s out-of-home (OOH) media assets. Developed in partnership with DMT, ADMO, ADPHC, ADQCC and DED, it will come into force from November 2025. This policy supports healthier choices by providing guidance on how to promote food and drink products in public spaces.
Other milestones include the launch of Degayeg, a community initiative led by DCD with support from DOH. It allows individuals of all ages and abilities to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Since its launch in October 2025, over 500 community-based physical activity events have been held in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, with over 7,700 participants. The Degayeg Fitness Festival was also held in six districts of Abu Dhabi, attracting over 1,400 participants. In 2026, the festival is scheduled to repeat every two months.
The Festival of Health, led by ADPHC in collaboration with DOH, was held from December 12 to 28, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The festival featured immersive experiences, thought-provoking talks, and engaging activities across all four pillars of healthy living, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. It attracted approximately 50,000 participants and more than 40,000 return visitors, with children accounting for 37% of those visitors, and high interest among adults and seniors.
Another milestone is Nutri-Mark, a front-of-pack nutrition grade label launched by ADQCC in collaboration with ADPHC. It classifies packaged foods from Grade A (highest nutritional value) to Grade E (lowest nutritional value), allowing consumers to compare items within the same category and make informed choices. This effort is powered through the TAMM app feature, which allows users to scan product labels and instantly check the Nutri-Mark grade.
Healthy Living makes tangible and lasting improvements to people’s health and demonstrates measurable progress in prevention and well-being within and beyond the health sector.
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