United Arab Emirates
Leading cause: Heart Disease · 38% plant-based · 78 yr life expectancy · UHC 84/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Heart Disease · 145 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Heart disease (145/100k) leads, but the UAE's defining issue is among the world's highest diabetes and obesity rates, driven by a sugar- and refined-carbohydrate-rich diet low in whole plant foods (score 38) and a sedentary urban life. High health spending funds strong coverage.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Cut sugary drinks and fast food behind the severe diabetes and obesity burden.
- Raise vegetable and legume intake and build daily physical activity.
Explore the evidence: Heart Disease
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 145 CVD deaths per 100k · 38% plant-based diet