Mental Health Laws and Reflections on Culture: The Case of United Arab Emirates

This paper introduces the reader to mental health laws and concerned governmental bodies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The native culture and shariah laws pertinent to mental health are discussed. It is noted that the mental health sector of the country has come a long way and with new initiatives and strategies in health sector will continue to improve. Some challenges and their implications are noted with a set of recommendations. The UAE population in 2018 was estimated to be 9.54 million, up from 2014’s estimation of 9.44 million. Emirati nationals make up only ten percent of the population, and the country has the 7th highest migration rate in the world at 12.36 % (World Population Review, 2018). The population was estimated to have increased as much as 65 % between 2006 and 2010, with the migration rate at 21.71 % (UAE National Bureau of Statistics 2010). Established in 1971, the UAE is considered a fairly developed country given that their healthcare service infrastructure is reaching international standards. However, the national healthcare system’s meeting the growing needs of the population continues to be a challenge. Experts have voiced concerns about “doing more” to address mental health issues and the stigma and negativity associated with the term mental inhibits development of effective programs in the country (Sayed, 2015; Al Darmaki & Yaakieb, 2015; The National, Oct 2014; AlSayed, 2010). The stigma and the existing culture of silence results in late diagnoses of psychiatric conditions, and a belief that mental health is contagious has deterred the locals from both seeking psychiatric help and joining the field of mental health as a