Thousands of residents turned out for the first round of the Abu Dhabi Festival of Health, with many calling for similar initiatives to be held more regularly across the emirate.
The first five-day stage of the festival, which concluded at Hudayriyat Island on Tuesday, drew large crowds keen to take part in fitness activities, health screenings, workshops and wellness sessions.
Organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, it is hoped that the festival will encourage residents to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and make well-being a part of everyday life.
Citizens and residents alike were invited to take part in free fitness sessions, nutrition workshops and well-being consultations at the series of community events held at three locations across the emirate. Events at Hudayriyat Island concluded on Tuesday, but further sessions are planned from December 19-21 at Madinat Zayed Park, Al Dhafra, and December 26-28 at Al Jahili Park, Al Ain.
Dr Shereena Khamis Al Mazrouei, Director of Health Behaviour Promotion, told The National that the festival’s impact goes beyond attendance figures.
“We look at impact through how people engage with the experiences – how comfortable they feel exploring healthy habits and how the festival sparks conversations,” she said. “With live talks and workshops across the stages, the festival acts as a catalyst, encouraging people to reflect on their daily habits and feel confident taking the next steps towards healthier living.”
The core objective of the festival, officials said, has already achieved.
“The goal we had in mind from the very beginning was to make healthy living part of the conversation,” she said. “If visitors leave feeling more confident, more motivated and more connected to their well-being, even in a small way, then the festival has achieved its purpose.”
Dr Al Mazrouei said many of the festival's health challenges were linked to lifestyle and behaviour, including physical inactivity, poor nutrition, lack of quality sleep and rising stress. Obesity is a major health concern in the UAE.
“These are complex issues, but they are also areas where small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference when supported by the right environment and opportunities,” Dr Al Mazrouei said. She added that one of the main lessons from the event was that people responded more positively when health was presented as relatable, social and positive.
“People engage more when health is experienced together – as families, friends and communities – rather than delivered as instructions or warnings,” she said.
What is the festival?
The inaugural Festival of Health was launched to become a recurring platform, with future editions expected to evolve based on feedback and participation.
“Future editions will build on what we have learnt, refining content, expanding partnerships and reaching more communities,” Dr Al Mazrouei said. “Each year will strengthen the connection between public spaces, community engagement and healthier lifestyles.”
Among those attending was 35-year-old Emirati Ahmed Salem, who said the festival had motivated him to refocus on his health.
“I used to weigh more than 130kg and managed to get that down to around 75, but I’ve recently regained some weight,” he said. “I’m here to lose the weight I gained. We need more activities like this in the UAE to help us get moving and motivate us.”
Egyptian resident Haitham Elawadlly said the festival had helped get his children off their devices and become more active. “We came two days in a row,” he said. “They’re upset it’s over. This is fun and beneficial for the entire family.”
Attendance figures at Hudayriyat Island were still being compiled on Tuesday evening, with organisers saying visitors continued to arrive until the final hour of the event.
