Access the UAE's mental health services through Emirates Health Services.

Get mental health support through Abu Dhabi Public Health centre.

Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital

Al Amal Hospital is the first internationally accredited specialised medical facility in the field of mental health in the Middle East. It is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The hospital serves patients from Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It offers a range of outpatient specialised psychiatry clinics for children, adults, the elderly, people of determination, as well as, for those with addiction. It also offers forensic psychiatry services.

Scope

The UAE’s federal decree on mental health regulates the relationship between psychiatric patients and the parties involved. It applies to all matters relating to mental health, including psychiatric patients, mental health facilities and other institutions in the UAE and free zones involved in the psychiatric care. This law requires permission from the competent authorities in order to provide mental health services.

The law defines types of admission to mental healthcare facilities, regulations relating to voluntary admission for the treatment of abuse of psychotropic substances, and the obligations of the mental health facility in case of a patient’s escape or death in the facility.

It defines cases of psychological restraint, isolation and transfer of the patient in and outside the country, as well as, the cases of compulsory outpatient treatment.

Objectives

The law aims to preserve the rights and dignity of the psychiatric patients, reduce the negative effects of mental conditions on them, their families and the society, and promote their social integration.

Patients’ rights

General patients’ rights include:

• receiving full explanation of their rights in the mental health facility
• the right to submit grievances and complaints
• receiving an explanation of clinical observations, treatment plans, goals and risks, including benefits and side effects, timeframe and recommended interventions in case of crisis or emergency
• receiving all care and treatments in an appropriate environment that retains their civil rights
• access to psychotherapy and psychiatric medications
• confidentiality of their information
• protection of their personal belongings at mental health care facilities
• preserving their right to retain their job without any restrictions
• protection from emotional, physical or sexual exploitation 
• receiving a mental and social care plan upon their discharge from the facility
• obtaining a medical insurance according to the legislation in force
• receiving access to education and recreational activities
• ability to choose representatives to advocate on their behalf, both in and outside the mental health care facility.

Monitoring committee

Each emirate is required to establish a dedicated monitoring committee to safeguard the rights of psychiatric patients. Additionally, each health facility must establish a dedicated committee to ensure the protection of patients’ rights.

Fines

The law imposes penalties, including imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000 for offenders of its regulations and provisions.

For minors

Special health guarantees are provided for minor psychiatric patients, ensuring the implementation of age-specific health safeguards aligned with the best interests of minor patients.

Read news coverage on WAM.

The National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health in the UAE identifies five main strategic objectives. They are:

1. Enhancing the effectiveness of the promotion of awareness of mental health
2. Developing, strengthening and expanding comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health services for patients of all ages
3. Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration to implement mental health promotion policy
4. Promoting the prevention of mental disorders for people of all ages
5. Strengthening capacities and improving information systems and conducting mental health research to develop their services.

Among the actions included in the policy are the provision of mental health services to outpatients, the development of mental health units for inpatients in mental health hospitals and the establishment of community mental health services, including outreach services, care and home support services and community rehabilitation.

In early 2019, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) announced the launch of a number of digital solutions technologies in the mental and psychological field, which will lead to a quantum leap in the clinical practices field. These digital solutions include the treatment by using virtual reality technology to help understand schizophrenia and to learn more about the suffering of patients with this disease, through the use of Gear by Oculus technology.

In addition, MoHAP, represented by the Specialized Care Department of Hospitals Sector, and in collaboration with Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority, organised awareness lectures in English and Urdu to raise Sharjah taxi drivers’ awareness about mental disorders. A medical team from MoHAP conducted examinations for 100 drivers to assess their acquaintance with mental disorders causes and treatment. The team distributed mental-disorders-related brochures including how to control these disorders and the places where drivers can go for diagnosis and treatment.

The Mental Health Program at Abu Dhabi Public Health Center aims to develop projects and provide resources to promote community mental health and reduce self and social stigma around mental disorders and associate treatment.

To support the spreading of awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and end discrimination against those with mental illness within the UAE, Al Jalila Foundation awarded three Emirati journalists, the ‘Mental Health Journalism Fellowship’. The fellowship promotes the publication of quality discussion around mental illness encouraging awareness and acceptance to a stigmatised hidden condition.

Read:

• Coping with the Stigma of Mental Illness - Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

A. National Plan to promote the health of senior citizens

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched a comprehensive national plan to promote the health of senior citizens, with the aim of ensuring a balanced physical, mental, and social environment for older adults, while preserving their dignity and independence.

Key points of the plan

The plan includes:

• supporting mental and psychological health as part of primary healthcare services
• encouraging early detection of cognitive and psychological changes associated with ageing
• promoting supportive social environments that reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness
• guiding families and communities to participate actively in supporting senior citizens.

B. Mental health clinics for senior citizens

Emirates Health Services (EHS) provides specialised geriatric and mental health clinics. These clinics focus on early detection and interventional treatment of memory disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affecting older adults.

Services include family and caregiver support, as well as community engagement initiatives aimed at improving quality of life through key approaches such as:

• management of memory disorders
• psychological support sessions
• community-based and digital mental health services
• preventive and awareness services within hospitals and health centres
• support for patients’ families and caregivers.

Register for mental health services.

C. Memory support and cognitive well-being initiatives

EHS also offers specialised services dedicated to supporting mental health and cognitive well-being of senior citizens and preventing age-related cognitive decline, as part of an integrated healthcare and mental health system. These services focus on early detection, continuous follow-up and family support.

The services include:

• early assessment of memory impairment, cognitive disorders and dementia
• follow-up care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease through individualised treatment plans
• cognitive stimulation sessions and mental activities to enhance memory, attention and cognitive functions
• psychological counselling and health education for family members and caregivers
• support for psychological and social adaptation to reduce isolation and depression among senior citizens.

These services are delivered through government hospitals and health centres affiliated with Emirates Health Services, under the supervision of specialised medical and psychological teams.