Dubai has introduced a new public health law aimed at stopping the spread of infectious diseases and keeping the community safe.

Under the new law, anyone infected with or suspected of having a contagious disease must avoid contact with others. They are not allowed to travel or move around unless they’re heading to a healthcare facility and have approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

No Hiding Infections

The law also makes it illegal to hide an infection or knowingly spread it, whether on purpose or by accident. People must follow all health and safety instructions from officials and medical professionals to help prevent outbreaks.

Rules for Travellers

Travellers entering Dubai must follow official health protocols. This includes:

• Providing any requested health information at entry points
• Reporting suspected or confirmed infections
• Following hygiene rules like wearing masks and keeping physical distance when required

A Broader Public Health Strategy

The new law was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is part of a wider effort to protect public health using precautionary measures and global best practices.

It also promotes stronger coordination among government agencies to respond quickly and effectively to health threats.

More Than Just Disease Control

The law covers other areas of public health too, including:

• Food safety and rules for restaurants and food businesses
• Consumer product safety
• Environmental health, including pest control and safe living conditions in labour accommodations
• Tobacco control, managed by Dubai Municipality
• Crisis response and health emergencies, led by the DHA

Dubai’s new law aims to create a safer, healthier, and more prepared city while strengthening its reputation as a global leader in public health.

The UAE is observing World Health Day on Monday, April 7, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) year-long campaign titled “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This global initiative aims to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritise the long-term health and well-being of women and infants.

Global Context

According to WHO estimates, approximately 300,000 women worldwide die annually due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Additionally, over two million infants die within their first month of life, and around two million more are stillborn each year. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced maternal and newborn healthcare services globally.

UAE’s Commitment to Maternal and Newborn Health

The UAE has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving maternal and newborn health through various national initiatives:

• National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health (2024): This policy outlines comprehensive healthcare requirements for women at all life stages, emphasizing care during the reproductive years. 
• Advanced Maternal Healthcare Services: The UAE offers a robust maternal healthcare system that includes premarital medical screenings, regular prenatal care, childbirth services, and breastfeeding education. These services aim to ensure the health and development of both mothers and their babies. 
• Early Detection Programmes: National programmes for the early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis are in place, contributing to the overall well-being of women. 
• Comprehensive Child Healthcare: The UAE provides high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to children from birth through adolescence. This includes specialized hospitals, pediatric clinics, preventive care programmes, early disease screening, routine immunisations, mental health services, and therapeutic nutrition programs. 

Notable Initiatives

A standout programme is the newborn screening initiative run by Emirates Health Services (EHS). Targeting infants from birth to 28 days old, the programme includes early screening for genetic disorders, critical congenital heart defects, and hearing impairments. Implemented across all public and specialized hospitals under the EHS umbrella that offer maternity services, this initiative ensures timely treatment and follow-up, aiming to prevent physical and cognitive disabilities and reduce mortality rates. 

Additionally, EHS provides comprehensive screening for genetic and congenital diseases in newborns and offers early screening services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at primary healthcare centers for children aged 16 to 30 months. These efforts reflect the UAE’s dedication to early intervention and comprehensive care for its youngest citizens. 

Conclusion

As the UAE joins the global community in observing World Health Day 2025, its ongoing initiatives and policies underscore a strong commitment to enhancing maternal and newborn health. These efforts not only align with the WHO’s campaign objectives but also contribute significantly to the nation’s goal of providing high-quality healthcare services, ensuring healthier beginnings and hopeful futures for all.

(Source: WHO, Wam)

Dubai Municipality (DM) is calling on residents to stay vigilant and report any health and safety violations they notice in restaurants, salons, and beauty centres during Ramadan.

If you spot an issue, you can report it by calling DM’s dedicated 24/7 helpline at 800900. In a social media post on X, DM emphasised the importance of public cooperation, stating: “If you come across any health and safety issues in restaurants, salons, or beauty centres this Ramadan, report them by calling 800900. Your safety matters.”

With Ramadan bringing larger crowds and higher demand for services, DM’s approach ensures that violations are addressed swiftly to maintain public health and safety.

To report any concerns, call: 800900 (available 24/7)

(Source: X)