The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has unveiled a new Dhs105 million Mental Wealth Framework, set to focus on improving mental health and wellbeing for the city’s residents.

Unveiled under the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the framework features 10 key initiatives. The Mental Health Framework will be integral to the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which is a scheme launched this year to make Dubai the best city for working, living, and visiting. As part of this framework for mental health, an early detection programme will be launched to diagnose the early symptoms of mental health issues. The mental health plan will also focus on the implementation of awareness programmes in schools. The framework will also provide easier access to mental health facilities for people in need. There will be 10 initiatives that will be implemented in Dubai related to the Mental Health Framework during the next five years. 

The Mental Wealth Framework aims to achieve a set of strategic goals that ensure the integration of various initiatives. Additionally, the framework focuses on the educational environment, and empowering school staff and parents to develop students’ psychological capacities. It also seeks to increase levels of satisfaction and happiness among community members.
Other strategic objectives of the Mental Wealth Framework include the promotion of research and innovation, reflecting Dubai’s ethos of basing sound decisions and plans on scientific research and innovation. In line with this objective, a series of studies will be conducted to ensure the continuous measurement and achievement of psychological and community stability for individuals, particularly those who are prioritised in the framework: the elderly, children, people of determination, and those with chronic diseases, and various other segments of Dubai’s society.