Dubai Dh105M mental health initiative aimed at the early detection, intervention, enhancement, and prevention of mental health issues. This initiative, spearheaded under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, is expected to encourage companies to prioritize the mental well-being of their employees.
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A Top-Down Approach to Mental Health
Aakanksha Tangri, CEO of Re:Set ,an employee well-being program, highlighted the significance of this top-down initiative.
“A shift in culture, especially regarding mental health, only happens when directives come from the top,” she said. “Sheikh Hamdan’s involvement is a powerful motivator for companies to prioritize mental health.”
Nina Pacic, HR Manager at Sovereign PRO Partner Group, echoed this sentiment. “This new initiative will likely encourage companies to improve the well-being of their employees, reflecting the overarching plan,” she stated.
“We can expect more companies to implement employee well-being programs as a result.”
The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention
Dr. Gurveen Ranger, Clinical Psychologist at Sage Clinics, emphasized the critical need for early detection and intervention in mental health. “Approximately 62.5 percent of mental health problems start before the age of 25,” she noted. “This initiative will be key in raising awareness and creating new narratives. The more we discuss mental health as a community, the more comfortable people will feel seeking help.”
Causes of Stress in the UAE
Aakanksha Tangri identified several stressors affecting workers in the UAE. “Many workers are away from their families, face financial stress due to the high cost of living, and work in a very competitive market with the constant fear of being replaced,” she explained. “These factors combine to create high stress levels, especially among expat populations.”
A study by Cigna Healthcare earlier this year revealed that 90 percent of UAE respondents feel stressed, with almost all experiencing at least one burnout symptom.
Coping with Stress
Aakanksha shared how her organization supports workers. “We provide tools to help them cope with high stress levels, allowing them to be proactive rather than reactive to mental health issues. We also work to change company mentalities towards these issues. While it doesn’t happen overnight, we start to see small changes.”
Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health
Harjit Bahia, co-founder and medical director at ZOI-ME, an upcoming longevity clinic in Dubai, stressed the importance of this Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed initiative in combating stigma. “Mental health disorders continue to face stigma in the MENA region,” he said. “This initiative is significant not only for its financial backing but also for the attention and scientific scrutiny it brings to a field often misunderstood or surrounded by cultural misconceptions.”
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Financial Benefits of Investing in Mental Health
Investing in employee mental health framework can also provide financial benefits for companies. “Replacing an employee can cost up to 60 percent of their annual salary,” Aakanksha noted. “If 10 percent of your employees leave, imagine the cost to a company in the UAE. Investing in employee well-being can help attract and retain good talent.”
Nina Pacic outlined practical ways companies can support employee well-being.
“Offering one-on-one meetings, flexible working arrangements, and encouraging employees to take their entitled annual leave can significantly improve well-being,”
she said. “Smaller initiatives such as employee suggestion boxes, satisfaction surveys, or team-building events can also provide valuable feedback and improve overall employee satisfaction.”
Conclusion
Dubai’s new mental health framework represents a significant step forward in prioritizing employee well-being. By fostering a culture of early detection, intervention, and support, this initiative not only aims to improve the mental health of individuals but also enhances the overall productivity and sustainability of companies. As more organizations implement well-being programs, the benefits will likely extend far beyond individual employees, contributing to a healthier, more resilient workforce across the UAE.
