Colleagues having a meeting outdoors in a park in the UAE Colleagues having a meeting outdoors in a park in the UAE

Cigna
International Health Study: UAE 2026 Edition

Vitality remains high in the UAE,​ but the need for support is growing.​

UAE’s Vitality Score remains high and stable at 73.8, compared with 64.3 globally, with the latest Cigna International Health Study highlighting strong overall well-being, family support and adaptability, reflecting how people across the UAE continue to build resilience in a changing world.

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What is supporting vitality in the UAE?

Drawing on insights from 12,000 people across 13 markets, the Cigna International Health Study looks at the factors that help people feel healthier, more energised and better able to thrive. The findings point to several areas where people in the UAE continue to perform strongly compared with global peers.

Strong overall well-being

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70%

of people in the UAE rate their overall well-being as excellent or very good, compared with 44% globally.​​

The UAE continues to set a strong standard for whole-person well-being.

Family support matters

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71%

feel supported by family, making family well-being the highest-rated well-being pillar in the UAE.

Support at home remains an important foundation for health and resilience.

Confidence at work

Team of colleagues giving a thumbs up

72%

describe themselves as enthusiastic about their job, compared with 59% globally.​

This points to a workforce that remains positive and engaged at work, even as well-being pressures continue to grow.

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UAE’s path to global well-being leadership

With a focus on bringing the latest insights on health and well-being in the UAE, we have developed the Cigna International Health Study: UAE Edition.

The United Arab Emirates continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to health and well-being, with the 2026 Cigna International Health Study highlighting the nation’s progress and performance above global averages across every major pillar of well-being.

As the UAE continues to invest in health, this year’s findings highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in building a society where everyone can thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.

Work is a source of commitment and pressure.

Employees in UAE continue to show strong commitment. 76% say they are willing to work harder to help their employer succeed, while 72% say they are enthusiastic about their job, with both results higher than global averages.

At the same time, mental health is affecting how people experience work. Workplace well-being has fallen by three points, and 60% of workers say their mental health has changed their work activities this year.

of UAE workers say mental health has affected how they work.
say they feel understood by their manager, down five points from 2025.

Access the study for the full picture of workplace well-being, employee commitment and the support people need to thrive.​

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Vitality needs support to last

Mental health is becoming a greater priority.

Mental well-being is the top personal well-being priority for 30% of UAE respondents, but only 9% received counselling or therapy this year.

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Younger adults need closer attention.

Adults aged 18–24 were the only age group to record a decline in vitality, with their score falling 4.6 points to 66.6.

Woman stretching outdoors with hand weights

Technology should strengthen human care.

People in the UAE are open to digital health tools and AI, but half remain concerned about losing human interaction in healthcare.

Three colleagues smiling in an office

73.8

Vitality Score

Up 0.5 points from 2025 and 9.5 points above the global average.

70%

Overall well-being

Rate their overall well-being as excellent or very good.

61%

Mental well-being

Remains above the global average, despite falling three points year on year.

68%

Physical well-being

Maintains a strong position, 25 points above the global average.

35%

Financial well-being

The UAE’s lowest-rated well-being pillar.

69%

Expect AI to affect their healthcare

Within the next three years.

71%

Family well-being

The UAE’s highest-rated well-being pillar.

Get the Cigna International Health Study: UAE 2026 Edition​​

Unlock deeper insights to help support vitality, improve well-being and make more informed decisions for people in the UAE.

  • UAE well-being insights

    Data on vitality, mental health, financial well-being, social connection and access to care.

  • Global benchmarks

    A clear view of how the UAE compares with the global benchmarks.

  • Workplace and future-health perspectives

    Insights on employee commitment, manager support, healthcare technology and the role of AI.

Download the full study now

Get the Cigna International Health Study: UAE 2026 Edition

Why you should download the study

Whether you are a corporate or SME leader looking to strengthen workforce well-being, a partner advising customers on health solutions, or an individual looking to better understand the factors shaping vitality today, the Cigna International Health Study: UAE 2026 Edition provides data and practical perspective grounded in the local context.

By downloading this study, you will gain access to:

  • Data on UAE vitality and well-being across mental, physical, financial, social, family and workplace health.
  • Insights into stress, access to mental-health support, financial pressure and the x1changing needs of younger adults. ​
  • Practical findings to help employers, partners and communities create more supportive workplaces and healthier everyday environments.​
Download the study now

  • Katy Holmes

    CEO, BCCD

    Portrait of Katy Holmes

  • Leah Cottrill

    CEO, Cigna Healthcare MEA (outside KSA)

    Portrait of Leah Cottrill

  • Dr. Rehana Meghani

    Co-Founder, Content Psychology

    Portrait of Esra Uzsoyilir

  • George Hanna

    Regional Director, CIPD

    Portrait of Sandip Kumar

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