Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking ‘Mental Wealth Framework,’ a comprehensive initiative by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) aimed at bolstering the mental well-being of its residents. This strategic move aligns with the ambitious Dubai Social Agenda 33, striving to position Dubai as a global leader in quality of life, work, and tourism. The framework, endorsed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, signifies a significant commitment to fostering a mentally resilient community.
Dubai’s Bold Step Towards Mental Well-Being
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has officially launched its ‘Mental Wealth Framework,’ a pioneering initiative designed to enhance the mental well-being of everyone living, working, and visiting Dubai. This framework is a direct response to the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is a cornerstone of the broader Dubai Social Agenda 33, which envisions Dubai as the world’s premier destination for living standards.
Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the DHA, emphasized that mental wealth is a critical component of community health and a strategic priority for major global cities, especially given the fast pace of modern life. He highlighted that the framework is built on the latest best practices in mental well-being, incorporating innovative solutions and benchmarking against six leading global models.
Key Objectives of the Framework
The ‘Mental Wealth Framework’ is designed with several strategic goals to ensure a holistic approach to mental well-being:
- Comprehensive Care Model: Developing an integrated care model that encompasses all aspects of mental wealth services, including early detection, intervention, enhancement, and prevention.
- Early Detection and Support: Implementing exceptional initiatives for the early detection of factors that might impact an individual’s mental and emotional state, alongside providing high-quality care, support, and counseling services.
- Empowering Educational Environments: Focusing on the educational sector by empowering school staff and parents to cultivate students’ psychological capacities.
- Promoting Research and Innovation: Encouraging scientific research and innovation to continuously measure and achieve psychological and community stability. This includes conducting studies focused on vulnerable populations such such as the elderly, children, people of determination, and those with chronic diseases.
- Enhancing Satisfaction and Happiness: Striving to increase overall satisfaction and happiness levels among community members.
Investment and Future Outlook
Over the next five years, the framework will see the implementation of ten key initiatives, backed by an investment of AED 105 million. This substantial commitment underscores Dubai’s dedication to creating a proactive and effective social system that prioritizes protection, care, and empowerment. The initiative also aims to develop a highly efficient health system that meets global standards by promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing the quality of health, preventive, physical, and mental services.
By highlighting and expanding upon the existing elements of mental well-being, Dubai aims to establish the highest standards of well-being within its community, ultimately contributing to its goal of being among the top three cities globally in terms of standard of living and achieving a life expectancy ranking among the top ten worldwide.