The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the Health Sector Climate Adaptation Plan 2026–2031 to protect residents from the health impacts of rising temperatures, dust storms, poor air quality and extreme weather.
Unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, the plan identifies six priority areas: heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases, water- and food-borne diseases, and mental health. It aims to strengthen prevention, improve early detection and prepare healthcare services for climate-related emergencies.
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Key measures include developing early warning systems for extreme heat and poor air quality, enhancing disease surveillance and integrating health and environmental data to identify emerging threats. The plan also prioritises hospital emergency preparedness, resilient medical supply chains and continuity of essential healthcare services during extreme weather events.
Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, health authorities and specialised partners, the initiative aligns with the UAE National Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, said: “Guided by the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE places the protection of people and their quality of life at the heart of its health system. As our climate changes, the risks to our health change with it. Heat, dust and extreme weather affect people’s health in very real ways. Our responsibility is to anticipate these risks and protect our communities before people fall ill.”
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The next phase will focus on coordination among relevant entities, strengthening healthcare professionals’ skills, expanding specialised research and implementing measurable priorities. Particular attention will be given to vulnerable populations and maintaining reliable healthcare access during climate-related disruptions.
The five-year initiative supports the UAE’s broader efforts to integrate climate adaptation into public health planning and strengthen healthcare system resilience.
Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, said: “The plan helps the health sector turn climate-risk assessments into practical steps that protect people’s health. This includes developing the skills of healthcare professionals, expanding specialised research, improving emergency preparedness and increasing the resilience of healthcare facilities. The next phase will focus on coordination among relevant entities and implementing priorities against precise indicators, helping to ensure continuity of services, protect populations most vulnerable to climate impacts and enhance the effectiveness of the health response nationwide.”
