Global public health and the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as a rapidly developing country in the Middle East, is in a good position to contribute to global health. It can share its experience of dealing with public health problems characteristic of a desert environment, and it can learn from the experience of other nations in tackling challenges posed by globalization. The health issues particular to the region include heat stress, the effects of consanguineous marriages on families and society, and exposure to occupational and environmental hazards. As in many other developed countries, the UAE also has public health problems associated with smoking, road traffic accidents, and obesity. The experience of other countries in dealing with infectious diseases has helped the UAE implement preventive measures to cope with infections such as the recent H1N1 pandemic. International collaboration has advantages to the UAE in managing problems pertaining to global public health.