Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is strengthening the emirate’s mental healthcare ecosystem by expanding access to proactive, person-centred services focused on early intervention and continuous support.

As part of its strategy, DoH plans to double mental health patient capacity over the next two years. Since 2022, the emirate has increased its mental health workforce by 81%, while 1,930 family physicians have been trained to diagnose and manage common mental health conditions at primary healthcare centres.

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Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, “Mental health is not a phase of care, but the foundation of quality of life. In Abu Dhabi, we are working to ensure that support is accessible to everyone, without barriers or stigma, through an integrated approach that brings together prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, to deliver lasting outcomes and support healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

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Mental healthcare services are now delivered through a network of 143 healthcare facilities, including 13 specialised mental health centres staffed by 640 qualified professionals.

Dr. Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said, “Mental health is a fundamental pillar in building and empowering a healthy community, where individuals can enjoy a better quality of life. Guided by this principle, we are committed to advancing mental health alongside physical health to all, through raising awareness and expanding access to prevention and support services, ensuring they are available to every individual and family when needed.”

To further enhance patient care, DoH has also introduced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive, evidence-based therapy that expands access to advanced mental health treatment options across Abu Dhabi.