Sheikh Hamdan launches Dh105m mental health plan to help residents with pace of Dubai life

Mental Wealth Framework part of Dubai Social Agenda 33 scheme launched this year

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, launched the Mental Wealth Framework project in Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has launched a Dh105 million initiative to help residents and citizens cope with the challenges of day-to-day life in a major city.

The Mental Wealth Framework will play a pivotal role in the implementation of Dubai Social Agenda 33, a project launched this year aimed at making the emirate "the world’s best destination for living, working, and visiting", the Dubai Government Media Office reported on Monday.

A number of objectives will be launched as part of the project, including early detection programmes to identify the signs of struggling with mental health issues.

Other parts of the scheme include a renewed emphasis on mental health in schools and providing easier access to mental health care for those in need.

"The Mental Wealth Framework introduces a comprehensive set of initiatives that will enhance Dubai's global reputation as a preferred destination for quality of life," said Awad Al Ketbi, director general of Dubai Health Authority.

"Mental wealth is an integral part of the health and welfare of the community and one of the most important strategic objectives of major cities around the world, especially given the rapid pace of daily life.

"Achieving this objective requires scientific and systematic intervention to manage the demands and pressures of everyday life and their potential consequences."

The Mental Wealth Framework, he added, was designed "to enhance Dubai's unique lifestyle proposition and the support the diverse, harmonious nature of its community".

Ten of the best

The new framework supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to position the emirate among the world’s top three cities in terms of standard of living, and rank in the top 10 for life expectancy, added the media office.

The project will involve 10 initiatives being implemented over the next five years across the emirate.

"The framework accommodates all segments of society with a range of exceptional initiatives for the early detection of any factors that might affect an individual's mental and emotional state or levels of positive energy," the media office reported.

"It also aims to provide high-quality care, support, and counselling services necessary to enhance psychological and community stability.

"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."

A series of studies will also take place to assess the needs of the disabled, the elderly, children and those suffering from chronic diseases – seen as the priority categories in the project.

Thirty-three goals

The Dh208 billion Dubai Social Agenda 33 was announced in January, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Other targets are doubling the number of the Emiratis in Dubai within a decade, as well as establishing the world's most efficient and high-quality healthcare system and developing an education sector capable of keeping pace with the emirate's future ambitions to be among the top 10 cities in the world for quality education.

The initiative also calls for a proactive social care system to be cultivated, focused on the protection, care and empowerment of citizens, and for the number of Emiratis working in Dubai's private sector companies to be tripled.