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Attendees heard the latest data and insights into the UAE’s position in this ground-breaking study spanning 13 markets and exploring eight key pillars of wellbeing.

Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa CEO Leah Cotterill; King’s College Hospital London, Dubai (another Annual Strategic Partner of Chamber) Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Sandip Kumar, Connect Psychology Co-founder Esra Uzsayilir; and St. James's Place Asia & Middle East Chartered Financial Planner, Danielle Lecomber brought the findings to life during the panel, sharing their perspectives of experts in mental health, AI in healthcare and financial wellbeing.

Some key highlights from the study:

• The UAE stands out as a nation of progress when it comes to overall wellbeing, performing above global average across all wellbeing dimensions.
• Mental wellbeing is taking centre stage, with 64% ranking it as more important than physical health.
• The UAE is one of the world's most optimistic markets about AI adoption in healthcare.
• Data suggests that when health and happiness are national priorities, progress accelerates. 
• Gender and age disparities persist, with women and younger generations reporting higher stress levels.
• Financial wellbeing remains a key pressure point, despite some improvements.
• Employers have a major opportunity to support their teams in improving financial and workplace wellbeing.

Leah Cotterill, CEO, Cigna Healthcare MEA (outside KSA), said, “Despite global declines, vitality in the UAE continues to rise, underscoring the country’s commitment to making health and well-being a true national priority. Initiatives such as the Federal Mental Health Law, Dubai’s AED105m ($28.6m) Mental Health Framework, and the integration of AI-driven healthcare reflect a forward-looking vision that places people at the centre of progress. At Cigna Healthcare, we are proud to support this agenda by providing whole-health solutions that span physical, mental, financial, and workplace well-being. The UAE is not only improving the health of its people today but also setting global benchmarks for how nations can build resilient, future-ready societies.”

Katy Holmes, CEO at British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, said: "It’s a pleasure to once again collaborate with BCCD Annual Strategic Partner, Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, for the launch of this year’s UAE edition of the Cigna International Health Study. At the Chamber, we place a strong emphasis on promoting dialogue and awareness around mental health and overall wellbeing in the UAE business community. Reliable and data-driven insights such as those provided by Cigna’s annual study are invaluable in helping employers and leaders understand evolving workforce needs and make informed decisions that support their people and businesses."

Attendees also had the chance to experience Cigna Healthcare’s award-winning FlexRay activation, a unique tool that helps users discover their movement age and enhance their movement health. FlexRay was recently recognised as Best Activation at the HRSE Summit. 

You can download the full report at this link to look at all the data and key recommendations in the study: https://go.cigna.blog/t2hutf