Dubai: A national programme aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among school students has reported significant success, with 42% of overweight students experiencing weight loss and thousands improving their health habits.
The Masar project, launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), integrates educational programmes focused on healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management to improve the health of future generations.
It grew from 12,600 students in 15 schools to 137,828 students in 83 schools across the country by 2024.
Better sleep, healthier diet
The latest findings, presented at Arab Health 2025 in Dubai, reveal that over 50% of students now achieve the recommended hours of sleep, more than 20% have increased their intake of fruits and vegetables, and 10% have reduced their consumption of fast food and sugary drinks.
The programme has also led to higher physical activity levels and decreased screen time, according to the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey (KAP Survey 2022-2023).
Multi-faceted approach
The Masar initiative operates under six key pillars: healthy eating, physical activity, school health education, weight management, health awareness, and a reward system to encourage positive behaviors. In addition, more than 2,000 teachers were trained in 2024 to support student well-being and act as health mentors.
Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, local education authorities such as the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, and private sector partners, the project represents a national effort to enhance the health and well-being of the UAE’s youth.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, highlighted the importance of the project in laying a foundation for a healthier future.
Dr Al Rand stated that investing in the health of young people lays a solid foundation for the future of the nation. Therefore, the ministry is committed to implementing the best global practices in school health care to enhance the health of students in both public and private schools.
“We strictly adhere to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF standards and support all efforts aimed at realising sustainable development goals while contributing to the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. We want to prepare generations that enjoy excellent health and are ready to contribute to building a sustainable future,” Dr Al Rand added.
He also highlighted the initiative’s role in improving public health and enhancing students’ academic performance by promoting physical and mental well-being.
National collaboration for healthier future
Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Director of the Health Promotion Department at MoHAP, praised the collaborative efforts of health, education, and social sectors in driving the project’s success.
“In addition to reducing non-communicable diseases and promoting physical activity, we will spare no effort to encourage healthy eating habits, regulate sleep patterns, manage screen time, and boost academic performance, in line with the nation’s vision of building a healthy and sustainable society,” said Al Ali.
Al Ali also noted that national initiatives such as the National Obesity Control Programme and the National Immunisation Programme continue to play a fundamental role in enhancing the health and well-being of future generations.
