The Dubai Women Establishment launched the “Mental Health Journey to Hatta” initiative for female employees of the Government of Dubai, in a step that reflects the Establishment’s commitment to supporting mental health and enhancing workplace well-being for working women through practical and sustainable initiatives that contribute to achieving a balance between professional and personal life.
The initiative builds on the “Mental Health” program implemented by the Establishment over the past two years, which included a series of awareness workshops that benefited approximately 150 female employees and leaders across government and semi-government entities in Dubai. The new initiative shifts the focus on mental health from a theoretical and awareness-based framework to a practical outdoor experience, enabling participants to step away from daily work pressures and restore mental vitality in a motivating natural environment.
The initiative included the organization of two trips: the first for employees of the Dubai Women Establishment and the second for female employees of the Government of Dubai, reflecting the Establishment’s commitment to expanding the reach of its initiatives, supporting women’s mental health at the government level, and fostering a positive and sustainable work environment.
The initiative aimed to support the mental health of female employees of the Government of Dubai, build social connections among employees, and promote a healthy lifestyle through outdoor activities. The program included a mountain hiking excursion and kayaking at Hatta Dam Lake, contributing to enhanced physical activity and connection with nature in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.
Her Excellency Naeema Ahli, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Women Establishment, said:
“The implementation of this practical initiative comes following the success achieved by the ‘Mental Health’ program launched by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Women Establishment, and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court. The program was introduced in support of the National Policy for Women’s Health and in line with Her Highness’s directives to develop initiatives with a sustainable impact on women’s lives, thereby contributing to the building of a cohesive society and a work environment that fosters productivity and performance, in fulfillment of the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 2030.”
She affirmed that mental health represents a fundamental pillar of job happiness, noting that an employee who enjoys good mental health is more productive and capable of innovation and contribution, which positively reflects on institutional performance and sustainability.
Her Excellency Naeema Ahli added:
“In this context, the ‘Mental Health Journey to Hatta’ initiative embodies the Establishment’s strategy aimed at advancing and empowering women across various fields, including prioritizing the mental health of working women and creating supportive and motivating work environments that enhance institutional performance and achieve sustainability.” She further noted that the Establishment will continue to develop and implement qualitative and innovative initiatives focused on mental health and workplace well-being, as both are essential elements in building female cadres capable of contributing effectively to the development journey.
For their part, the participating employees expressed their appreciation for the initiative, affirming that it provided a positive experience that allowed them to step away from work pressures and restore psychological balance in a supportive and motivating natural setting. They noted that the accompanying outdoor activities contributed to enhancing mental stability and strengthening communication channels among employees outside the formal work framework, which positively reflected on team spirit.
The participants also emphasized that the initiative reflects the Dubai Women Establishment’s concern for the employee as a person, not merely as a functional element, which enhances a sense of appreciation and belonging and contributes to increasing job satisfaction and enabling employees to deliver their best performance at work.
