News: Demand for mental health services in UAE leads to need for over 1,700 psychiatrists

The UAE is facing a growing demand for mental health services, with a need for 1,759 psychiatrists and 3,381 additional psychiatric beds to meet the population’s needs by 2030. The young demographic profile of the country, coupled with societal changes, increases the risk of mental health conditions, especially among individuals aged 20-39. The UAE currently has 0.3 psychiatrists for every 100,000 population and 14,000 psychiatric beds for a similar number of people.
The Knight Frank study focused on the mental health situation in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Despite the increasing demand for mental health services, there is a lack of inpatient facilities to meet the needs arising from outpatient facilities. In the UAE, there is only one dedicated mental health facility serving the entire population, highlighting the need for more accessible and affordable mental health services in the country.
Shehzad Jamal, partner at Knight Frank, emphasized the importance of making mental health services more accessible and affordable, streamlining regulatory processes, and investing in strong infrastructure. He also highlighted the need to invest in digital technology for mental health, especially in light of the increased popularity of telehealth services due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial to ensure that people can seek the help they need without fear or hesitation.
Dr. Gireesh Kumar, associate partner for healthcare at Knight Frank, highlighted the higher incidence rates of conditions like anxiety and depression in the UAE and Saudi Arabia compared to the UK. Despite this, the region lacks in infrastructure, with a psychiatry bed density of 14.0 and 18.4 beds per 100,000 population in KSA and UAE, respectively, compared to 36.9 beds in the UK. This underscores the need for additional investment in the mental health sector for both preventive and curative care.
Overall, the UAE is facing a significant challenge in meeting the growing demand for mental health services, with a shortage of psychiatrists and psychiatric beds. To address this issue, it is crucial to invest in mental health infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes, and combat the stigma surrounding mental health. By prioritizing mental health services and making them more accessible, the UAE can better support the mental well-being of its population and ensure that individuals receive the care they need.