• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
Loading data – please wait …

Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2142
Area covered:Dubai
References:Mamdouh H, Hussain HY, Ibrahim GM, Alawadi F, Hassanein M, Zarooni AA, Suwaidi HA, Hassan A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Alnakhi WK. Prevalence and associated risk factors of overweight and obesity among adult population in Dubai: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. BMJ Open. 2023 Jan 24;13(1):e062053. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062053. PMID: 36693685; PMCID: PMC9884894.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4971
Area covered:National
References:UAE National Health Survey Report 2017-18. United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Health & Prevention. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/united-arab-emirates/uae-national-health-survey-report-2017-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=86b8b1d9_1&download=true (last accessed 14.10.19)
Notes:STEPS Survey Emirati population only Men 38.5% living with overweight, 32.2% living with obesity Women 29.3% living with overweight, 41.8% living with obesity
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2012-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-80
Sample size:2724
Area covered:Expatriates
References:Sulaiman, Elbadawi, Hussein, Abusnana, Madani, Mairghani, Alawadi, Sulaiman, Zimmet, Huse, Shaw and Peeters. 2017. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 9(88). DOI 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0.
Notes:Expatriots only, they make up 80% of the population BMI calculated using ethnic specific cut-offs (Among Arabs and Europids - BMI 25 to 30kg/m2 indicated overweight and ≥ 30 kg/m2 indicated obesity. For asians those with BMI of 23 to < 27.5 kg/m2 were considered overweight while a BMI value of ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 indicated obesity)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:20-79
Sample size:1286
Area covered:National
References:UAEHALS2000. Measuring the health of the Nation. United Areb Emirates and lifestyle survey 2000. Published by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the College of Business & Economics. UAE University.
Notes:NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)'
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2018-2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:13-19
Sample size:932
Area covered:National
References:Baniissa W, Radwan H, Rossiter R, et al. Prevalence and determinants of overweight/ obesity among school-aged adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: a crosssectional study of private and public schools. BMJ Open 2020;10:e038667. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-038667
Notes:Small sample size. Convenience sampling was used to select classes. Students with chronic diseases (eg, type 2 diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions) based on information from students’ school records where excluded.
Definitions:A BMI at or above the 85th percentile for adolescents was adopted to classify participants as either overweight/obese
Cutoffs:CDC

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-17
Sample size:5849
Area covered:National
References:Global School Health Survey UAE available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/UAE-2016-gshs-fact-sheet.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 14.12.20)
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:11-14
Sample size:27113
Area covered:Regional
References:AlBlooshi, A., Shaban, S., AlTunaiji, M., Fares, N., AlShehhi, L., AlShehhi, H., AlMazrouei, A., and Souid, A.-K. (2016) Increasing obesity rates in school children in United Arab Emirates. Obesity Science & Practice, 2: 196–202. doi: 10.1002/osp4.37.
Notes:Region: Ras Al-Khaimah
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2011

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-19
Sample size:1440
Area covered:Regional
References:A Al Junaibi, A Abdulle, S Sabri, M Hag-Ali and N Nagelkerke. The prevalence and potential determinants of obesity among school children and adolescents in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Obesity, (14 August 2012), doi:10.1038/ijo.2012.131
Notes:85/95th Centile
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 1998-1999

Survey type:Measured
Age:5-17
Sample size:381
Area covered:National
References:Malik M and Bakir A. (2006). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Children in the United Arab Emirates. Obesity Reviews, 8: 15 - 20.
Notes:IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by education

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2142
Area covered:Dubai
References:Mamdouh H, Hussain HY, Ibrahim GM, Alawadi F, Hassanein M, Zarooni AA, Suwaidi HA, Hassan A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Alnakhi WK. Prevalence and associated risk factors of overweight and obesity among adult population in Dubai: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. BMJ Open. 2023 Jan 24;13(1):e062053. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062053. PMID: 36693685; PMCID: PMC9884894.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2012-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2724
Area covered:Expatriates (who make up approx 80% of UAE adult population)
References:Sulaiman, Elbadawi, Hussein, Abusnana, Madani, Mairghani, Alawadi, Sulaiman, Zimmet, Huse, Shaw and Peeters. 2017. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 9(88). DOI 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0.
Notes:Expatriates only (though expatriates make up approx 80% of UAE adult population)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2142
Area covered:Dubai
References:Mamdouh H, Hussain HY, Ibrahim GM, Alawadi F, Hassanein M, Zarooni AA, Suwaidi HA, Hassan A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Alnakhi WK. Prevalence and associated risk factors of overweight and obesity among adult population in Dubai: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. BMJ Open. 2023 Jan 24;13(1):e062053. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062053. PMID: 36693685; PMCID: PMC9884894.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:4453
Area covered:National
References:Qawas A, Mujahed M. WHO-STEPWISE Non-communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey DATA BOOK FOR UAE 2017-2018 Statistics & Research Center (SARC) Available at https://mohap.gov.ae/assets/download/c41b6243/steps_databook_uae_25%20nov%202019_637724938047887539.docx.aspx (last accessed 08.01.24)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2014-2015

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:27113
Area covered:Regional
References:AlBlooshi, A., Shaban, S., AlTunaiji, M., Fares, N., AlShehhi, L., AlShehhi, H., AlMazrouei, A., and Souid, A.-K. (2016) Increasing obesity rates in school children in United Arab Emirates. Obesity Science & Practice, 2: 196–202. doi: 10.1002/osp4.37.
Notes:International IOTF Cut Off
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Adults, 2012-2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2724
Area covered:Expatriates (who make up approx 80% of UAE adult population)
References:Sulaiman, Elbadawi, Hussein, Abusnana, Madani, Mairghani, Alawadi, Sulaiman, Zimmet, Huse, Shaw and Peeters. 2017. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 9(88). DOI 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0.
Notes:Expatriates only (though expatriates make up approx 80% of UAE adult population)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by ethnicity

Ethnic groups are as defined by publication of origin and are not as defined by WOF. In some instances ethnicity is conflated with nationality and/or race.

Adults, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4815
Area covered:National
References:UAE National Health Survey Report 2017-18. . https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/united-arab-emirates/uae-national-health-survey-report-2017-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=86b8b1d9_1&download=true (last accessed 07.06.2022)
Notes:Small sample size of Emiratis.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4815
Area covered:National
References:UAE National Health Survey Report 2017-18. . https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/united-arab-emirates/uae-national-health-survey-report-2017-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=86b8b1d9_1&download=true (last accessed 07.06.2022)
Notes:Small sample size of Emiratis.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:4815
Area covered:National
References:UAE National Health Survey Report 2017-18. . https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/united-arab-emirates/uae-national-health-survey-report-2017-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=86b8b1d9_1&download=true (last accessed 07.06.2022)
Notes:Small sample size of Emiratis.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Men, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Women, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Children, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Average daily frequency of carbonated soft drink consumption

Children, 2009-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
References:Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system

Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)

Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption

Children, 2008-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
References:Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system
Definitions:Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption)

Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption

Children, 2008-2015

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
References:Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system
Definitions:Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption)

Average weekly frequency of fast food consumption

Children, 2009-2015

Age:12-17
References:Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system

Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)

Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)

Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2369
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

National Nutrition Strategy 2030

The National Nutrition Strategy 2030 seeks to establish sustainable nutritional systems and provide safe and supportive environments for nutrition to all age groups. It has several targets including developing sustainable and flexible food systems for healthy diets and providing health systems and comprehensive coverage of basic nutrition measures. The obesity-related targets are to half the rate of obesity in children and adults.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2022-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Prevention
Find out more:u.ae

EMEL

The game " EMEL " serves the health and cultural aspect of children in terms of raising their awareness of healthy eating and its impact on health using an entertainment method with the aim of reducing obesity in children and adolescents. (NB. Access to specific details on programme in English are limited)

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2021 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Department of Physical Education at the United Arab Emirates University
Find out more:foodmatterslive.com

National Nutrition Guidelines

Unified national reference on food and nutrition education in the UAE’s community and health institutions

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Prevention
Find out more:u.ae

Mandatory standard for food in schools

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Education has banned nine food categories, including potato chips and chocolate, from being sold at school canteens across the Emirates.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Education
References:https://tribune.com.pk/story/1894323/potato-chips-chocolate-banned-uae-schools (Accessed 25.01.22)

Nutritional labeling of pre-packed products as Traffic light colours

The provision of FoP information remains voluntary, but if provided it must meet the requirements.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology
Linked document:Download linked document

United Arab Emirates Dietary Guideline

The Ministry of Health and Prevention developed the Guidelines based on the results of the National Health Survey 2018. Burj Khalifa is a famous major landmark so it was chosen to represent the graphic of UAE Dietary Guidelines.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Prevention
Linked document:Download linked document

Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Management of Obesity in the United Arab Emirates

Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Management of Obesity in the United Arab Emirates

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Abusnana S, et al.
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Abusnana S, Fargaly M, Alfardan SH, Al Hammadi FH, Bashier A, Kaddaha G, McGowan B, Nawar R, Sadiya A. Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Management of Obesity in the United Arab Emirates. Obes Facts. 2018;11(5):413-428. doi: 10.1159/000491796. Epub 2018 Oct 30. PMID: 30372696; PMCID: PMC6257093.

DOH Service Requirements for the Weight Management Program for Overweight and Obese Children

This document sets out the service specifications, including clinical care and the scope of practice for the provision of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Weight Management Program for Overweight and Obese children.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
Linked document:Download linked document

DOH Standard for Obesity and Weight Diagnosis, Pharmacological and Surgical Management Interventions

This Standard aims to ensure the delivery of safe quality clinical care for obesity and weight management patients.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
Linked document:Download linked document

Standards for Bariatric Surgery Health Regulation Department 2018

Standards for Bariatric Surgery in Dubai.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority.
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority. Standards for Bariatric Surgery Health Regulation Department. (2018).

Excise tax on tobacco products, energy drinks and sweetened and carbonated drinks

UAE Government introduced an excise tax on tobacco products, energy drinks and carbonated drinks in 2017. From the 1 December 2019, the excise tax was extended to electronic smoking devices and tools, liquids used in such devices and tools and sweetened drinks. The rate of excise tax is 50 per cent on carbonated drinks and any product with added sugar or other sweeteners. The rate is 100 per cent on everything else, including energy drinks.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Find out more:u.ae
Linked document:Download linked document

National Nutrition Strategy 2017-2021

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2017-2021
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Prevention
Linked document:Download linked document

National Plan to Combat Childhood Obesity United Arab Emirates

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Prevention
Linked document:Download linked document

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Categories:Evidence of Obesity Target
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation
References:Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

Standard relating to trans-fatty acid elimination

In 2015, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved TFA limits of 2% of total fat in vegetable oils and soft spreadable margarines, and 5% of total fat in other foods. United Arab Emirates have implemented the regulation in 2017.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Countdown to 2023: WHO report on global trans fat elimination 2021. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

The National Plan for Prevention and Response to Noncommunicable Diseases 2017--2021

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2017-2021
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health and Prevention
Linked document:Download linked document

Obesity and Morbid Obesity management

A guideline outlining management of obesity and morbid obesity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Daman
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Daman. 2016. Obesity and Morbid Obesity management. Available from: https://www.damanhealth.ae/Website/corporate/pdf/support/coverage-med/ObesityandMorbidObesitymanagement-V2.0_1.pdf. [Last Accessed 27/10/2020].

Gulf Technical Regulation: Labeling of prepackaged food stuffs

Gulf Cooperation Council countries namely adopted the standards GSO (09/2013) Amd 2016 and GSO (150- 2/2013) for labeling of pre-packaged foods and shelf life. According to this GCC-wide standard, prepackaged food product labels should be in Arabic or include an Arabic language translation of the label. Producers and retailers are also mandated to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products, even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Gulf Cooperation Council
Find out more:www.gso.org.sa
Linked document:Download linked document

Act Now

Campaign to fight childhood obesity by promoting lifestyle changes.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Canadian Specialist Hospital (CSH)
Find out more:www.facebook.com
References:http://www.uaetoday.com/news_details.asp?newsid=39747

Active Life

Activelife is Daman's health and lifestyle program aimed at promoting outdoor activity, healthy living and wellness.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Daman
Find out more:www.facebook.com
Linked document:Download linked document

Guide of Health and Nutritional Practices of School Canteens (Dubai)

These guidelines have been developed to improve the nutritional standard of food served or sold in schools. The proposed requirements for food supplied in schools aim to raise standards, make critical changes to schools meals, and help improve the health and nutrition of school children in Dubai.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Dubai Health Authority
Linked document:Download linked document

Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss (LIFE-8)

An intervention aiming for 5% weight loss and reduction in fat mass, blood pressure, waist cicumference (amongst other measures) by focusing on behaviour therapy and diet and physical activity modification.

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Year(s):2011-2012
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Lifestyle Clinic at Rashid Centre for Diabetes and Research, a tertiary care center of diabetes and obesity in Ajman, UAE
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Sadiya A, Abdi S, and Abusnana S.2016. Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss: a group-based program for Emiratis in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 18(9). pp. 101-8.

School Canteen Guidelines of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The standards includes the food allowed to be sold inside the school.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Abu Dhabi Education Council
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/63350 (Accessed 22.02.24)

Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing to Children Pledge

The Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing to Children Pledge, initially adopted in the GCC in 2010, is a voluntary commitment by the signatory companies to conduct responsible food and beverage marketing to children. The pledge informs and benchmarks how food and beverage products are marketed in a responsible way to children under the age of 12 in the region. In 2016 the pledge was enhanced by applying a set of nutrition criteria to define ‘better for you options’ . The pledge was endorsed by the Advertising Business Group in 2018.

Categories:Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Categories (partial):Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
References:https://campaignme.com/global-food-beverage-companies-in-the-gcc-achieve-100-commitment-to-restrict-marketing-to-children/

Fat Truth Campaign 2009

Aimed to increase awareness of childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles primarily focusing on schools

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2009 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:UNICEF United Arab Emirates
Find out more:www.unicef.org
Linked document:Download linked document
References:UNICEF United Arab Emirates. 2012. The Fat Truth: A partnership to raise awareness about childhood obesity in the United Arab Emirates. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/partners/Partnership_profile_2012_The_Fat_Truth_V2_approved.pdf. [Last accessed 23rd January 2019].

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Present-(voluntary)
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Present
Color coding?Present-(voluntary)
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Present
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Present
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Present
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Present
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Present
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Present
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Absent
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Present
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Present

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated February 22, 2024

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

Feedback

Are you finding the information on these pages useful?
Yes
No
N/A

Thank you for feeding back to World Obesity.

If you have any further feedback or suggestions please email us at obesity@worldobesity.org.

Close
Loading