ABU DHABI: UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi who have been identified as being at risk of developing chronic diseases through health screening can now apply for a new 24-week programme designed to help them make sustainable lifestyle changes.
The Lifestyle Improvement Programme has been launched by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in collaboration with the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), with support from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).
The initiative is aimed at eligible Emiratis whose IFHAS screening results have identified risk factors associated with chronic conditions. Rather than focusing solely on detecting potential health problems, the programme provides structured support to help participants address those risks through changes to their everyday routines.
Participation is free for applicants who meet the initial requirements and are approved following an assessment by the programme’s research team.
What participants will receive during the 24 weeks
The programme combines clinical assessments with personalised lifestyle guidance. Participants will begin with a comprehensive health evaluation, including medical tests, body composition measurements and the setup of wearable devices to help monitor their progress.
Doctors, dietitians, health coaches, exercise specialists and nurses will work together to develop individual health plans.
The guidance will cover six main areas:
-
Nutrition: Developing healthier eating habits based on individual health needs.
-
Physical activity: Building appropriate and sustainable exercise routines.
-
Sleep: Improving sleep habits and daily recovery.
-
Mental wellbeing: Supporting emotional and psychological health.
-
Stress management: Developing practical ways to manage everyday stress.
-
Social wellbeing: Encouraging healthier social connections and habits.
Participants will receive both in-person and virtual support throughout the programme. This includes consultations, dietitian reviews, health coaching and progress monitoring.
At the end of the 24 weeks, participants will undergo another assessment to measure their progress. They will also receive a personalised long-term health management plan to help them continue the habits developed during the programme.
Who is eligible to apply?
The new initiative is not open to every UAE resident. It has specific eligibility requirements targeting UAE nationals living in Abu Dhabi.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office announcement dated November 9, 2026, applicants must meet the following initial criteria:
-
Be a UAE national aged between 25 and 50.
-
Hold a valid Thiqa health insurance card.
-
Have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 35.
-
Have previously completed the Emirati Genome Programme.
-
Have completed IFHAS health screening.
There are also additional conditions. Applicants must not be pregnant, enrolled in another lifestyle intervention programme or have used GLP-1 medications during the previous three months.
People with serious medical conditions, recent surgery or mobility limitations that could affect their safe participation may also be considered ineligible.
Meeting the initial requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. IHLAD’s research team will review registrations and assess applicants before confirming enrolment.
How the programme builds on Abu Dhabi’s IFHAS screening initiative
The Lifestyle Improvement Programme builds on the existing IFHAS initiative, which is designed to identify health risks and support the early detection of chronic conditions.
According to ADPHC, IFHAS provides comprehensive screening for conditions and risk factors associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers, among other health concerns.
Thiqa holders aged 18 to 75 are eligible for IFHAS screening, generally offered every three years or more frequently when recommended by a doctor.
The new programme takes this preventive approach further by connecting screening results with personalised support.
For participants, this means that identifying a potential health concern can be followed by a structured plan addressing nutrition, physical activity, sleep and other lifestyle factors.
The initiative will also examine how these interventions affect risk factors associated with chronic conditions. The research findings could provide evidence to help shape future preventive healthcare programmes in Abu Dhabi.
How to register for the programme
Eligible UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi can express their interest through the registration form provided in the Abu Dhabi Media Office’s official announcement.
Registration is followed by an eligibility assessment conducted by IHLAD’s research team. Applicants should therefore wait for confirmation rather than assume that submitting the form guarantees participation.
For enquiries, interested applicants can contact the research department at:
Email: research@ihlad.ae
The programme is free for eligible participants, subject to the assessment and enrolment process.
The collaboration between ADPHC and IHLAD reflects Abu Dhabi’s focus on preventive healthcare, with the new initiative combining individual health assessments, professional guidance and research to encourage healthier habits over the long term.
Q1. What is Abu Dhabi’s new Lifestyle Improvement Programme?
It is a 24-week research initiative launched by ADPHC in collaboration with IHLAD to help eligible UAE nationals reduce risk factors associated with chronic diseases through personalised lifestyle changes.
Q2. Who can apply for Abu Dhabi’s new health programme?
UAE nationals aged 25–50 living in Abu Dhabi who hold a Thiqa card, have a BMI between 30 and 35, and have completed both IFHAS screening and the Emirati Genome Programme can apply, subject to additional eligibility conditions.
Q3. Is the 24-week Lifestyle Improvement Programme free?
Yes. Participation is free for eligible applicants, subject to assessment and confirmation of enrolment by IHLAD.
Q4. What services are included in the programme?
Participants receive clinical assessments, personalised nutrition advice, physical activity guidance, sleep and stress management support, health coaching and progress monitoring.
Q5. Where will the programme take place?
The programme will be delivered through the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), with both in-person and virtual guidance available.
Q6. Can all UAE residents apply?
No. The programme is specifically designed for eligible UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi. Applicants must meet the stated age, Thiqa, BMI and screening requirements.
Q7. How can eligible applicants register?
Applicants can complete the registration form provided in the Abu Dhabi Media Office announcement. For enquiries, they can email research@ihlad.ae. Final participation depends on the research team’s eligibility assessment.
