Abu Dhabi DoH, ADPHC and Emirates Foundation partner to expand Active Abu Dhabi

In a move that's got all the right ingredients for lasting change, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), and Emirates Foundation are teaming up to supercharge Active Abu Dhabi. What started as a movement to get people up and moving is now growing into a full-on health revolution — one that tackles everything from how we eat and sleep to how we manage stress and stay connected. And they're not just tossing ideas around; they're turning science into action.

As H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi put it plainly, "Through this collaboration, we aim to transform the community into one where individuals are encouraged and supported to prioritize their physical and mental wellbeing at every stage of life." Simple goal, big impact.

How does it work?

Active Abu Dhabi isn't about quick fixes or vague wellness slogans — it's grounded in behavioral science and powered by tech. This isn't about telling people what to do — it's about making it easier, even natural, to choose health day in and day out.

• The initiative rolls out across the Emirate, weaving together public health messaging, nudges, social norms, and incentives.
• It's built to be inclusive — think kids forming healthy habits, adults reshaping routines, and older folks staying active and independent.
• Digital platforms and on-the-ground community activations will make wellness part of the everyday.

HE Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi nailed it: "This collaboration... provides people with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to take control of their health in a meaningful and lasting way."

Why does it matter?

Because health isn't just about hospitals — it's about what we do every day. Poor sleep, bad food, no exercise, and chronic stress don't hit you all at once. They creep in, and before you know it, you've got a community burdened by preventable disease. Active Abu Dhabi is a step ahead of that.

As Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi said, "By integrating public health messaging with behavioral science, we are nurturing an environment where people are supported to make better daily choices."

In plain terms, they're making the healthy choice the easy choice. And by focusing on prevention, they're cutting off a host of problems before they start.

The context

This announcement dropped during the 25th World Conference of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) — a fitting stage for a bold play. And the timing's no coincidence. Abu Dhabi has its sights set on becoming a global leader in health innovation, where proactive care isn't just policy — it's practice.

IUHPE's president, Sione Tu'itahi, praised the strategy, saying, "By combining the credibility of government leadership with the agility of the non-profit sector and the insights of behavioral science, Abu Dhabi is setting a new global benchmark in health promotion."

This isn't just a wellness campaign — it's a culture shift, and it's got legs.