The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulatory authority for the healthcare sector in the emirate, reaffirmed its strong commitment to enhancing the mental health of community members, considering it a renewed priority and an integral part of their comprehensive health journey, as well as a fundamental pillar of public health. Today, Abu Dhabi hosts 143 facilities providing mental health services, including 13 specialized centers, employing more than 640 experts and specialists, ensuring reliable psychological care based on scientific evidence for all community members.

In a press statement yesterday on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the department stated that it continues its mission to establish community awareness that mental health is no less important than physical health, and that seeking psychological support is not a stigma or a sign of weakness but a courageous step expressing willpower and self-awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, mental health disorders affect one in every four people at some stage of their lives. Therefore, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi continues to take proactive steps to build an integrated system that provides psychological support to individuals at various life stages, starting from awareness and early prevention, through health education, to providing specialized therapeutic services and facilitating access to them for all segments of society.

Dr. Noora Khamis Al Ghithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “We believe in Abu Dhabi that mental health is a shared responsibility, so we work to establish a culture that promotes the concept of psychological well-being as a source of strength, not a sign of weakness, so that every individual feels supported, appreciated, and empowered to take the step of seeking help and specialized advice when needed. Health is not limited to physical health only but includes mental health in all its aspects, which extends its impact to touch the quality of life of individuals and the community as a whole.”

As part of its mission based on mental well-being for all, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is preparing to launch a community event titled “Every Mind is Beautiful,” aiming to engage and inspire community members to adopt a more aware and inclusive perspective towards mental health. The event will be held this week at “Umm Al Emarat Park” and includes a range of interactive experiences, practical workshops, creative performances, and awareness dialogue sessions, with participation from a select group of experts, specialists, and influencers in this field.

This initiative seeks to stimulate inspiring conversations about mental health, break the stigma associated with it, empower individuals to care for themselves and support those around them, and invites all community members in Abu Dhabi to enhance their awareness of the concept of mental health and well-being, reconsidering it as a shared community journey that grows stronger through connection, empathy, and collective awareness.