A new global report launched in Abu Dhabi has revealed that cutting air pollution in the UAE to World Health Organization (WHO) standards could prevent nearly 4,000 deaths each year and generate $596 million in economic gains.
The Health Inclusivity Index, developed by Haleon and Economist Impact, also found that reducing low health literacy in the country by just 25% could save up to $2.3 billion annually in healthcare costs.
“This report is confirming what we all know,” said Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, stressing the importance of early health education and prevention.
Despite the UAE ranking first in community health outreach, the country placed only 10th in health literacy, highlighting the need for stronger public understanding of health practices.
The report also flagged women’s health as a costly blind spot, with nearly a quarter of women of reproductive age suffering from anaemia — an issue that, if halved, could save the country $336 million a year.