Health Policies and Standards Department of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on 10 January 2025 published a new mental health services standard (External Circular- DHA_25_049) which will come into effect from 28 February 2025. The new standard aims to fulfil some of the targets of the Dubai Health Sector Strategy 2026.
The new standard has been developed by the Health Policies and Standards Department of DHA in collaboration with Health Standards Organisation/Accreditation Canada and the subject matter experts in the field of mental health services.
The new standard aims to help achieve the following:
• Pioneering Human-centred health system to promote trust, safety, quality and care for clients and their families.
• Make Dubai a lighthouse for healthcare governance, integration and regulation.
• Pioneering prevention efforts against non-communicable diseases.
• Foster healthcare education, research and innovation.
The new standard says that mental health services are essential for promoting overall health and well-being in any community. They address complex needs that span emotional, psychological and social dimensions.
Effective mental health care requires more than therapeutic interventions; it depends on robust systems that ensure safety, quality, and client-centred care. The Mental Health Services Standard aligns with the Dubai Health Sector Strategy 2026 and the Mental Wealth Framework, positioning Dubai as a model for integrated, human-centred mental healthcare.
The new standard is designed to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for mental health services, contributing to the ongoing improvement of healthcare in Dubai. Developed in alignment with evolving healthcare needs and international best practices, the standards support Dubai’s vision for a safe, innovative, and client-focused mental health system.
Cigna Health Insurance’s International Health Study 2024 had revealed that the UAE sustained a high vitality score of 72.5 demonstrating the positive impact of the nation's commitment to whole-person health.
Mental health challenges remain a focal area globally but mental well-being scores in the UAE continue to surpass global averages, showcasing the nation’s resilience in managing work-life pressures and stress. Women, singles, and non-working respondents are more impacted, reflecting a growing need for dedicated support in work-life balance.