A UAE diabetes prevention effort could avert about Dh20 billion in economic losses over 15 years and save about 32,000 lives, Gulf News reported Nov. 14, citing the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Ministry data cited by Gulf News put the number of adults living with diabetes at 1.3 million, roughly one-fifth of the adult population. The disease is estimated to impose an annual cost of Dh9 billion on the UAE economy. If current patterns persist, the tally could climb to 1.9 million adults by 2050, the outlet reported.
Over the same 15-year horizon, the ministry projects an additional 221,000 years of healthy life. Proposed steps include encouraging more physical activity, strengthening diabetes care and making healthier options easier to choose. The Dh20 billion estimate refers to avoided economic losses, rather than money already saved.
The UAE’s updated National Diabetes and Obesity Control Plan covers 2026–2030. It puts more emphasis on identifying health risks early, expanding preventive services and maintaining support after diagnosis. The plan is also exploring technology to help providers spot metabolic-disorder risks and intervene sooner, Gulf News reported.
Existing screening efforts include Abu Dhabi’s IFHAS and Etmenan, a program provided by Emirates Health Services, Gulf News reported. The country is working to broaden routine health checks and make screening approaches more consistent nationwide.
In the longer term, the stated aim is to tie mandatory preventive screening to health insurance requirements, according to Gulf News. Other elements include services for women with a history of gestational diabetes, clinics promoting healthy routines and early checks for metabolic disorders linked to diabetes and obesity. The strategy also includes improving Type 1 diabetes awareness among children and expanding screening for people at higher risk.
Earlier diagnosis, medical follow-up and ongoing prevention are intended to limit complications. The ministry also wants to raise public awareness of diabetes risk factors and lifestyle changes that may help delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes, Gulf News reported.
