Abu Dhabi launches first Festival of Health to inspire healthier living across the community

Healthcare

Abu Dhabi launches first Festival of Health to inspire healthier living across the community

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has announced the launch of the emirate’s inaugural Festival of Health, a multi-week community event aimed at making healthier living fun, accessible, and part of everyday life for residents of all ages.

Built around four key pillars — movement, nutrition, sleep, and mental wellbeing — the Festival will run across three consecutive weekends in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, and Al Ain. The event will be held from 12–16 December at Hudayriyat Island, 19–21 December at Madinat Zayed Park, and 26–28 December at Al Jahili Park.

The initiative is one of the first to activate Abu Dhabi’s newly approved Healthy Living Strategy, endorsed by His Highness Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The strategy aims to create environments that make healthier choices easier and more accessible for all segments of the community.

Across its three editions, the Festival will offer a wide range of activities, including fitness challenges, nutrition workshops, healthy cooking sessions, wellbeing consultations, digital activations, family games, and a dedicated Health Hub featuring partner-led initiatives. The event encourages residents to “treat themselves to health” through engaging, family-friendly experiences that support long-term positive habits.

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the Festival represents a major step forward in promoting community-wide wellbeing.

“Community health begins with awareness, daily routines, and a supportive environment,” she said. “Through the Festival of Health, we are empowering families with practical tools and enjoyable experiences that encourage healthier choices, helping build a more resilient Abu Dhabi.”

The Festival is supported by an extensive network of government, private sector, and community organisations. Strategic partners include PureHealth & Sakina, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Modon, Hudayriyat Island, Al Ain Farms, Agthia, Burjeel Cancer Institute, Nestlé, and AstraZeneca.
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi joins as the Official Community Partner, while Abu Dhabi Media Network serves as the Official Media Partner.

Additional community partners — including Special Olympics UAE, Active Abu Dhabi, ICCA, Ultrahuman, Appolonia, M42, GSK, Reem Hospital and others — will contribute specialised activities aligned with the Festival’s four wellbeing pillars.

The launch follows rising global and regional health concerns, including an increase in childhood and adolescent obesity and the growing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. In the UAE, more than half of children and adolescents do not meet recommended daily activity levels, contributing to reduced energy and mental wellbeing. The Festival aims to address these trends by offering simple, practical ways for families to integrate healthier routines into their lives.

H.E. Dr. Rashed Alsuwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, highlighted the Festival's role in community engagement.

“The Festival is designed to make wellbeing engaging, interactive, and meaningful for all age groups,” he said. “By bringing together partners across sectors, we are creating a vibrant community space where individuals can connect, learn, and adopt small changes that lead to big improvements.”

Through its community-centred programming, the Festival of Health supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of cultivating a healthier, more connected society rooted in prevention, shared responsibility, and lifelong wellbeing.