UAE's Evolving Wellness Conversation: From Festivals to Daily Life

Feb 23, 2026

78 min

Feb 23, 2026 12:32

From Festival to Framework: How the UAE’s wellness conversation is evolving

## Shifting Wellness Landscape

The UAE's approach to wellness is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from occasional festivals to being an integral part of daily life. The recent Kayan Wellness Festival in Abu Dhabi highlighted this shift with its focus on immersive experiences and discussions on emotional awareness.

## Practical Mental Health Discussions

Conversations around mental health in the UAE are becoming more practical and direct. People are increasingly asking questions about meditation, managing burnout, and the necessity of therapy. These topics are no longer niche but are becoming part of everyday discussions in leadership circles and family settings.

## Family and National Identity

Family plays a crucial role in the UAE's national identity and social infrastructure. Discussions at the festival emphasized the importance of emotional wellbeing within families and its impact on workplaces. The interconnectedness of work and family systems is being recognized as essential for sustaining wellbeing.

## Key Themes: Authenticity, Longevity, and Embodied Wellness

Three main themes are emerging in the UAE's wellness conversation: authenticity, longevity, and embodied wellness. Authenticity involves aligning behavior with values, especially in leadership roles. Longevity focuses on sustainable health practices, while embodied wellness emphasizes the need for wellbeing to be reflected in daily routines and organizational culture.

## Progress and Challenges

There is a growing openness around mental health, with leaders and employees discussing stress and burnout more freely. However, the challenge remains to integrate wellness into hiring, leadership assessments, and performance expectations. Recent initiatives, such as trauma-informed training programs, indicate progress, but sustained change requires consistent effort and local leadership.

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