Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
UAE residents are emerging as one of the most health-conscious and future-ready populations in the region, with nine in 10 focused on taking charge of their own wellbeing, according to a new report.
The second edition of the Philips Health Trends Research, released on Tuesday, highlighted a proactive, tech-savvy approach to health among UAE residents – pointing to a population that is empowered, well-informed, and increasingly connected.
“Improved access to information and increased awareness are empowering people to take greater control of their health and wellbeing,” said Tamer Said, General Manager for Health Systems, Philips West Africa, Gulf and Levant.
“At the same time, growing confidence in telehealth and digital health solutions reflects a strong willingness to embrace innovation that makes care more convenient and accessible.”
The study, conducted in February by market research firm Censuswide for Royal Philips, found that 92% of UAE residents place high importance on managing their own health and wellbeing. More than half (53%) consider their health to be in “very good” condition, while 88% rate it as “good”. Nearly 9 in 10 respondents also said they currently feel in control of their healthcare and wellbeing.
High-tech healthcare solutions are widely accepted, with 93% of respondents saying they believe in the benefits of telehealth. Among the advantages they cited are faster access to specialists (59%), time savings (58%), increased convenience (55%), reduced risk of exposure to illness (51%), and greater cost efficiency (46%).
Nearly 4 in 5 residents (77%) are optimistic about the use of AI in healthcare, expressing support for its application in diagnosis, treatment plans, patient monitoring and streamlining administrative tasks, according to the study.
Beyond technology, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in healthcare preferences. The study found that 83% of UAE residents are more likely to choose healthcare providers that prioritise environmentally responsible practices, and 86% believe that sustainability should be a key priority for the sector.
For many, sustainable healthcare means more than just a “green” label; it’s about creating a tangible positive impact on the environment, reducing harm to the planet, and operating in a socially responsible manner.
“This research helps us deepen our understanding of these preferences and contributes to shaping a future-ready, patient-centric healthcare system for the UAE,” according to Said.
