More than half of adults in the United Arab Emirates are living with high cholesterol, according to the National Health Survey 2024–2025 released by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The survey, which assessed nearly 10,000 households across the country, also reported an increase in elevated fasting blood glucose levels despite declines in obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.

The survey indicated that obesity prevalence among adults decreased from 27.8% in 2017–2018 to 22.4% in the most recent assessment. Smoking rates showed a slight reduction from 9.1% to 8.7%, and the proportion of individuals with high blood pressure fell from 28.8% to 25.9%. These improvements suggest progress in some areas of public health related to preventable risk factors.

However, the rising rates of high cholesterol and elevated blood sugar levels provide a contrasting outlook. The share of adults with high cholesterol increased sharply from 43.7% to 54.2%, marking one of the most notable concerns of the survey. Additionally, 28.7% of adults exhibited elevated triglyceride levels. Average total cholesterol rose from 182.3 milligrams per decilitre to 190.6 milligrams per decilitre, and the likelihood of high cholesterol was found to increase with age.

While 82.4% of adults diagnosed with high cholesterol confirmed adherence to prescribed medications in the two weeks prior to the survey, prevention efforts are hindered by a screening gap: 23% of adults reported never having undergone cholesterol testing. Similarly, 18.3% of adults had never been tested for blood sugar levels. Elevated fasting blood glucose prevalence edged up from 11.8% to 12.5%, though the rate of impaired fasting glucose declined from 11.7% to 5.9%.

The survey also revealed that 16% of adults had never had their blood pressure measured. Among those diagnosed with hypertension, medication adherence was strong, with 94.9% reporting they had taken their prescribed treatments during the two weeks before the survey.

Overweight status remained widespread in the UAE, with two-thirds of adults classified as overweight, while obesity rates showed a downward trend. Excess weight was more common among men, whereas obesity was more prevalent in women, and both increased with age, peaking in those 45 years and older.

Physical activity levels improved significantly, with the proportion of adults not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines falling from 70.8% in 2017–2018 to 59.1% in the current report. This progress means the UAE has met its physical activity targets for 2030 ahead of schedule. Nonetheless, inactivity remains higher among women (68.7%) compared to men (51.5%).

Smoking rates saw a modest decline but remained significantly higher among men, at 13.7%, compared to 2.4% among women.

The survey also highlighted excessive salt consumption as a continuing public health challenge. Adults in the UAE consumed an average of 10 grams of salt per day, double the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum intake. Nearly 30% of adults reported adding salt or salt-based sauces to food at the table, while nearly 40% used them during cooking. Excessive salt intake is a known contributor to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.

Overall, the survey presents a mixed health profile for the UAE, with clear signs of improvement in some modifiable risk factors but ongoing concerns relating to cholesterol, blood sugar, and dietary habits.