Cancer control in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is confronting a growing cancer burden. Although the UAE continues to invest substantially in health care, increase in cancer cases places considerable health, economic, and societal strain on the country, and has been driven by the complexity of late-stage treatments, declines in workforce productivity, and broader effects of national economic output. The unique population demographic of the UAE, coupled with its health-care structure, requires a tailored approach to cancer control from screening to treatment. This Series paper evaluates the current state of cancer control in the UAE, identifying barriers and gaps in the current system and proposing actionable recommendations for improvement. A comprehensive national cancer control plan-supported by robust data, international partnerships, and strategic policy reforms-is urgently needed. Central initiatives include expanding early detection and screening efforts, improving access to multidisciplinary cancer centres, and adopting advanced diagnostic technologies. Additional priorities involve bolstering the oncology workforce, fostering public-private partnerships, elevating care quality, and harnessing digital health innovations. Public health education campaigns and equitable service distribution are also essential to improve the outcome of common malignancies, particularly breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Guided by the UAE's Vision 2031 agenda, these measures aim to build a resilient oncology ecosystem that reduces mortality, optimises patient outcomes, and establishes a regional standard for equitable, high-quality cancer care.