DoH – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre partner with Emirates Foundation for a healthier Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE: At the 25th World Conference of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) being hosted in Abu Dhabi for the first time, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), announced a strategic partnership with Emirates Foundation to scale the impact of the Active Abu Dhabi initiative, aimed at promoting long-term behavioral change in health and wellbeing.
The initiative will now scale across the Emirate, integrating behavioral science, technology, and public and private sector collaboration to improve long-term health outcomes. The expanded initiative builds on the foundation laid by Active Abu Dhabi, now leveraging the full strength and expertise of ADPHC and DoH to address health more holistically, integrating nutrition, sleep, movement, and mental wellbeing into its core framework.
Designed to be practical and grounded in real-life behaviors, the initiative is exclusively inclusive, made for people of all ages and backgrounds. From helping children form healthy habits early to supporting adults in making better daily choices and enabling senior citizens to stay active and well, it is built to meet people where they are.
'Partnering with Active Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to a future-focused, prevention-led healthcare model,' said H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. '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. This approach enables us to address the underlying causes of lifestyle-related diseases and build a culture of health across Abu Dhabi.'
This comprehensive initiative supports public health campaigns centered on nutrition, movement, sleep, and mental wellbeing to elevate community health. By uniting individuals and families, it inspires a reimagined approach to health, delivering enduring benefits for all.
H.E. Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre commented, 'With a growing focus on health and wellbeing at the core of its strategic agenda, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global hub for health innovation, leadership, and impact. Our mission at ADPHC is to create a healthier Abu Dhabi for future generations, and our partnership with Active Abu Dhabi provides a powerful platform for that. By integrating public health messaging with behavioral science, we are nurturing an environment where people are supported to make better daily choices, transforming health into an active, inclusive, and achievable pursuit.'
HE Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation said, 'This collaboration with ADPHC and DoH gives Active Abu Dhabi the momentum to expand its reach and provide people with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to take control of their health in a meaningful and lasting way.'
This partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi's wider strategic goal of transforming its healthcare model from reactive care to proactive health management, empowering communities to make sustainable, positive lifestyle changes.
IUHPE, celebrating its 25th World Conference this year, praised the partnership for its strategic approach to public health, and behavioural change. 'This partnership exemplifies the kind of multisectoral collaboration we advocate for at IUHPE,' said Sione Tu'itahi, President of IUHPE. ' 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.'
In the coming months, the partners are set to introduce a wide range of community activations and digital platforms designed to engage citizens across all segments of society. Campaigns will be anchored in principles such as social norms, intrinsic motivation, and reward mechanisms to ensure long-term impact.
About Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC)
Established in 2019 under Law No. (14), Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) is the first dedicated public health entity of its kind in the region. ADPHC is committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Abu Dhabi's population by advancing public and preventive health practices and ensuring a safe environment for the Emirate's workforce. Through an integrated Public Health Management System, the Centre promotes innovation, excellence, and proactive health solutions aligned with global best practices. Guided by values such as creativity, integrity, teamwork, and responsibility, ADPHC strives to build a healthier, safer, and more resilient society.
About the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH)
Department of Health - Abu Dhabi is the regulative body of the Healthcare Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in healthcare for the community by monitoring the health status of the population.
DoH defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system.
In addition, DoH shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforce standards, and encourages adoption of world – class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate.
DoH also drives programs to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums, and reimbursement rates of the health system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
About IUHPE:
Founded in 1951 by Dr Jacques Parisot, the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) is a unique worldwide, independent and professional association of individual and institutional members committed to improving health and wellbeing. IUHPE supports actions and engages in projects, locally and globally, that empower people to control their own health and that promote well-being societies, e.g. education, community action and the development of healthy public policy.
About Emirates Foundation:
Emirates Foundation was established on April 12, 2005, as an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Its Board of Directors is chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs' Families Affairs at the Presidential Court.
Emirates Foundation is a national institution that works in partnership with the public and private sectors to establish social responsibility through the implementation of research-based programs that meet the needs of the UAE towards sustainable community development.
The foundation works to identify and understand the challenges facing UAE society and create appropriate opportunities for developing national competencies and activating their role in society through smart program platforms. It also works to spread creative awareness through marketing and communications and establish an entrepreneurship model characterized by effectiveness, high values, and quality performance.

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