UAE residents continue to report high levels of safety, optimism and belonging despite regional conflict and rising cost pressures, according to new research from Cigna Healthcare.
The Well-being & Health Pulse in the UAE survey, conducted in April 2026 among 380 respondents across the country, found that overall well-being remains moderately strong, with a well-being index rating of 70 per cent.
The study measured well-being across six pillars: physical, mental, financial, social, family and workplace well-being.
According to the findings, 79 per cent of respondents said they are optimistic about the near future despite the current situation.
The survey also found that 89 per cent feel physically safe in the UAE, while 83 per cent feel emotionally safe.
Cigna Healthcare said many residents continue to view the UAE as a long-term home, with 21 per cent planning to remain in the country for six to 10 years and 48 per cent planning to stay for more than 10 years.
The study found that 86 per cent of respondents feel at home in the UAE, while 79 per cent said they tend to bounce back or recover after hardships.
Leah Cotterill, CEO, Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa, said: “The findings show a UAE population with strong foundations. People feel safe, connected and optimistic about the future, even during a period of regional conflict and wider uncertainty. That is an important signal of resilience and confidence in the UAE.”
Family well-being was the strongest pillar in the study, with a rating of 80 per cent, followed by social well-being at 76 per cent and physical well-being at 72 per cent.
The survey found that 85 per cent of respondents said their family supports each other during all times, while 84 per cent said home is a physically and emotionally safe place where they can freely express their feelings.
Cigna Healthcare said the family findings align with the UAE’s Year of Family, showing family as both a cultural and measurable well-being strength.
Financial well-being was the weakest pillar, rated at 53 per cent.
Only 45 per cent of respondents said they feel able to manage cost pressures linked to rising costs, while 49 per cent said they feel positive about their ability to manage expenses and income.
The study found that 57 per cent of respondents feel confident about their future financial situation.
Cigna Healthcare said the findings continue a pattern seen in its 2025 UAE research, where financial well-being was also the lowest-rated pillar and family finances, personal finances and cost of living were among the leading sources of stress.
Workplace well-being was rated positively by 69 per cent of working respondents.
The survey found that 68 per cent said their work environment supports family and personal commitments, while 63 per cent reported positive job satisfaction.
However, job security remained weaker, with only 56 per cent feeling positive about it.
The research also found that employees are seeking support beyond traditional health insurance. Health insurance and annual check-ups are among the most commonly provided benefits, while gym memberships, access to therapy or counselling and financial planning support are among the least provided.
Cotterill said: “At the same time, we are observing that well-being is becoming more complex. Financial pressure, workplace expectations, family responsibilities and mental resilience all shape how people experience their health. For employers, insurers and healthcare partners, there is a real opportunity to look at well-being more holistically and support people across the different parts of their lives.”
She added: “The UAE continues to be a place where people feel safe and optimistic. The next step is helping individuals and employers translate that confidence into long-term well-being, by widening the national conversation beyond treatment and coverage, and looking at the everyday factors that shape people’s health, resilience and quality of life.”
