SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Turning wellness into a community celebration, Abu Dhabi's Festival of Health delivers on its promise to make healthy living fun and accessible. Government entities, private firms, organisations, and educators come together on the ground, ensuring that every step visitors take is a step towards a more balanced lifestyle.
After wrapping up its first leg on Hudayriyyat Island, the festival moves to Madinat Zayed Public Park from December 19 to 21, and Al Jahili Park from December 26 to 28.
Led by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the fest centres on four pillars of a balanced life: movement, nutrition, sleep, and mental wellbeing.
However, the approach isn't about strict rules or pressure. Instead, guidance is broken down into "simple steps toward a healthier life", said Dr Shereena Al Mazrouei, Director of the Health Promotion and Public Health Programmes Department at the ADPHC.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Al Mazrouei described the event as an immersive experience that "merges culture with science and entertainment". Spaces are thoughtfully designed for inclusivity: some areas are women-only, others are child-friendly, and accessibility is prioritised to welcome people of determination.
She also highlighted the festival's "health hub", a space connecting visitors with stakeholders, partners, and services to sustain the momentum year-round - all leading up to another edition of the festival next year.
Yoga and mindfulness trainer Bader Shehayeb made the most of the festival and was impressed by the "range of things and opportunities for everyone". With health matters and entertainment combined, the activities were perfect for family time, he said.
Samar Helmy, who explored the event with her two children aged 9 and 11, agreed that the event was "wonderful and fun for children and adults alike".
Fatima Al Mansoor, who came with her young son, saw firsthand how much the kids enjoyed the festival. On top of that, the most important thing was that safety was made a priority, she said.
Participating groups and organisations made the most of the opportunity to engage with the community.
William Page, Project Manager of Community Outreach at Active Abu Dhabi, noted that the event aimed to make movement "playful, fun, and enjoyable", a mission that his organisation has championed across the emirate.
Their team showcased a project centred on "a physical literacy assessment for children." To assess gross motor skills, the evaluation is conducted through "a small obstacle course," which has already reached 4,000 children. "If we get this right, the children will be active for life," he said.
Other participants aimed to raised awareness of various health issues - from child development to preventing diseases.
Syeda Maira, an occupational therapist at Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said her team helped families understand whether their children are meeting age-appropriate development. "We are providing a screening programme and milestones [check] for kids aged 0 to 8 years."
Asmaa Al Sawafiri, Senior Medical Educator at GSK, focused on the viral infection shingles and how it can be prevented. "We advise people, particularly those most at risk, to follow up with doctors," she said.
