A national snapshot of health in the UAE shows diet-related risks remain deeply embedded even as several long-running prevention efforts begin to register progress, according to data reported by Gulf News.
The National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025, released by the Ministry of Health and Prevention with national partners and endorsed by the World Health Organisation, found that more than half of adults have high cholesterol levels, while nearly the entire adult population consumes sodium above recommended limits.
Researchers examined 20,000 households nationwide, producing one of the most detailed datasets yet on lifestyle-related disease risks across the Emirates. The findings show 54.2% of adults with elevated cholesterol and 96.2% exceeding safe sodium intake, alongside continued pressure from obesity, hypertension, and insufficient physical activity.
Beyond cholesterol and salt, the survey recorded obesity in 22.4% of adults and high blood pressure in 25.9%. Elevated blood glucose affected 12.5%, and 59.1% of adults did not meet physical activity guidelines. Smoking was reported by 8.7% of participants, adding to cardiovascular risk factors identified in the dataset.
Dietary patterns emerged as a central concern. Among residents aged 18 to 69, more than half consumed too much fat, while over a quarter exceeded sugar recommendations. Daily intake of sugar-sweetened beverages was reported by 27.4%. Average daily energy consumption reached 2,852.3 kilocalories, while fibre intake averaged 23.1 grams.
Children’s data highlighted parallel challenges. Obesity was observed in 16.1% of those aged six to 17, compared with 2.2% among children under five. Vitamin D deficiency appeared widespread, affecting 69.1% of older children and nearly half of adults. Measurements were benchmarked against WHO growth standards and analysed using advanced statistical methods to allow international comparison.
Against these risks, the survey also documented measurable improvements over time. Smoking prevalence has declined by 2.4% over 15 years, while physical activity participation increased by 11.7% over seven years. Obesity prevalence fell by 14.8% between 2010 and 2025, and the proportion of adults with high blood pressure dropped by 2.9% over a seven-year period.
Maternal health indicators showed strong engagement with healthcare services, with 99.6% of women attending at least one prenatal consultation and 94.8% completing four or more antenatal visits.
Health Minister Ahmed Ali Al-Sayegh said the results reinforce the role of prevention and early intervention in national planning. “These findings provide a clear, evidence-based picture of population health trends and reinforce the importance of prevention, early intervention, and long-term planning,” he said, adding that the data will guide policy priorities and resource allocation.
The survey also pointed to areas of nutritional resilience. Minimum dietary diversity was met by 85.1% of women aged 15 to 49 and 77.9% of children aged six months to five years, based on consumption across at least five recognised food groups within a 24-hour period.
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, described the project as a model of coordinated statistical work across federal and local levels, noting that policy value lies in how data informs decisions rather than in raw figures alone.
Fieldwork combined face-to-face interviews and laboratory testing, using WHO-approved electronic questionnaires in Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu. The sample included citizens and residents, as well as individuals living in workers’ accommodations, to ensure broad representation.
Officials said the findings will feed into an integrated public health framework focused on non-communicable disease prevention, improved nutrition outcomes, and wider access to care, with Hussain Al Rand of the Public Health Sector citing the role of data in shaping screening and prevention strategies.
Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, described the survey as a foundational tool for shaping effective health policies and accurately assessing population health status.
