Health and wellbeing

Yes, women can practice sports in the UAE, and in recent years, there has been a significant push to encourage female participation in various athletic activities. The UAE government and local organizations have worked to create an inclusive environment where women can engage in a wide range of sports, both for fitness and competitive purposes.

Mental health services in the UAE have seen significant growth in recent years, with a focus on providing high-quality care for both residents and visitors. The country offers a range of services, including psychotherapy, counseling, psychiatric support, and mindfulness programs. Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have specialized centers, hospitals, and clinics offering mental health treatments, from individual therapy to family counseling and support for conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress.

The UAE has a growing awareness of mental health, and several facilities offer both in-person and online sessions to accommodate different needs. Costs vary depending on the service and facility, and many employers provide health insurance that covers mental health services. Additionally, free support groups and community resources are available for those with financial constraints. The UAE's focus on mental well-being ensures that both preventive and therapeutic services are widely accessible.

• Employees: The employer is responsible for providing a health insurance policy.
• Dependents: In some cases, the employer covers dependents, otherwise, the sponsor is responsible.
• Self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs: They must purchase private insurance.
• Domestic workers and housemaids: They must also be covered by a policy provided by the employer.

The UAE boasts a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private sectors offering high-quality services. Public healthcare is managed by authorities like the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Abu Dhabi Health Authority (SEHA), providing affordable care to residents. Private healthcare offers specialized services, reduced wait times, and high-end facilities, with prominent hospitals like American Hospital Dubai and Mediclinic.

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, with employers required to provide coverage for employees. The UAE also excels in specialized care, with advanced medical treatments available in areas like oncology, cardiology, and plastic surgery. Emergency services are highly efficient, and the country has numerous pharmacies offering medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

The UAE focuses on preventive care, health awareness, and medical research, making it a regional leader in healthcare. However, the high cost of private healthcare and the growing demand for medical professionals are ongoing challenges.

Yes, organic food is widely available in the UAE. The country has a growing demand for organic products, and there are many supermarkets, specialty stores, and markets offering organic food options. Some of the most popular stores include:

• Organic Foods & Café: A well-known store offering a wide range of organic fruits, vegetables, gluten-free products, and organic meat.
• Carrefour Bio: Available in many locations, offering affordable organic options.
• Spinneys: Offers a dedicated organic section with both local and imported organic products.
• Lulu Hypermarket: Also offers organic sections with fresh produce and packaged items.
• Ripe Market: A popular market where you can find fresh, locally grown organic produce on weekends.

Additionally, organic food can also be delivered to your home through services like Kcal Extra and Right Bite, which offer healthy, balanced meal plans with organic ingredients.

For those looking for more specialized organic products, there are also local organic farms and smaller markets such as Farmers’ Market on the Terrace that offer pesticide-free, locally grown produce.