The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched a Health Sector Climate Adaptation Plan covering 2026 to 2031, unveiled at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit. The initiative is designed to prepare the country's healthcare system for the growing health impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, dust storms and deteriorating air quality.
The plan targets six priority areas: heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, vector-borne disease, water- and food-borne illness, and the mental health toll of climate-linked crises. Planned measures include early-warning systems for heat and air-quality alerts, strengthened disease surveillance, resilient hospital operations and medical supply chains during extreme weather, and improved emergency preparedness across healthcare facilities.
Health Minister Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh said: "As our climate changes, the risks to our health change with it. Our responsibility is to anticipate these risks and protect our communities before people fall ill." Assistant Undersecretary Hussain Al Rand added that the plan focuses on "developing the skills of healthcare professionals, expanding specialised research, and improving emergency preparedness." Officials framed the strategy as a shift from reacting to health emergencies toward spotting warning signs early and acting before they escalate.