UAE sees ‘rising focus’ on mindfulness, mental health

Mindfulness is rapidly becoming a central part of modern life in the UAE, as individuals and institutions respond to the pressures of a fast-paced, AI-driven world with a renewed focus on mental well-being and inner balance.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living, said: “True progress is not measured solely by economic indicators or technological breakthroughs, but by the quality of human experience that a stress-free mind and a violence-free society are essential for lasting peace.”

His reflections come ahead of events scheduled from May 10 to 13, 2026, marking both his 70th birthday and the 45th anniversary of The Art of Living organisation, milestones that highlight its continued influence on global well-being discussions.

He further said, across the UAE, mindfulness is no longer viewed as a niche concept but as a broader societal priority, reflecting a global shift toward addressing stress-related challenges in urban environments. Workplaces, schools, and public spaces are increasingly adopting preventive approaches that prioritise emotional stability, attention management, and sustainable performance.

The World Health Organisation said in 2025 that more than one billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, highlighting the growing urgency of mental resilience initiatives.

The UAE’s wellness sector mirrors this momentum. The Global Wellness Institute projects the global wellness economy will exceed $7 trillion by 2026, with the Middle East among the fastest-growing regions, underscoring the link between well-being and economic development.

Organisations in the UAE and beyond are increasingly recognising the connection between performance and mental well-being, with a growing emphasis on leadership approaches rooted in empathy, clarity, and purpose.

The country’s multicultural environment has also supported initiatives that promote shared human values through practices such as breathwork, meditation, and community service, drawing participation from diverse groups.

Gurudev, whose work has reached more than 500 million people globally over four decades, has long advocated the role of inner transformation in driving societal change, arguing that cultivating calmness, clarity, and compassion contributes to a more resilient world.

As the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, the integration of mindfulness into everyday life signals a broader shift toward balancing economic growth with human sustainability, with increasing focus on developing individuals capable of navigating complexity with composure.