UAE residents remain resilient amid regional conflict, Cigna Healthcare study reveals

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 May 2026: UAE residents continue to report high levels of safety, optimism and belonging despite regional conflict and cost pressures, but financial strain remains the clearest challenge to long-term wellbeing, according to new research from Cigna Healthcare.

Cigna Healthcare’s Well-being & Health Pulse in the UAE, conducted in April 2026 among 380 respondents across the UAE, measured overall wellbeing and six connected pillars: physical, mental, financial, social, family and workplace wellbeing.

The findings show a population with strong foundations. Overall wellbeing remains moderately strong, with a Wellbeing Index rating of 70%, 79% of respondents say they are optimistic about the near future despite the current situation, while 89% feel physically safe in the UAE and 83% feel emotionally safe.

The study also shows that many residents continue to see the UAE as a long-term home. 21% say they plan to remain in the UAE for six to 10 years, while 48% plan to stay for more than 10 years. At the same time, 86% say they feel at home in the UAE, and 79% say they tend to bounce back or recover after hardships.

However, the research also makes clear that resilience does not mean residents are free from pressure. Financial wellbeing is the weakest of the six pillars, only 45% of respondents say they feel able to cope with rising costs, while 49% are confident in their ability to manage expenses and income.

 

Key findings from the Well-being & Health Pulse in the UAE include:

• Overall wellbeing remains moderately strong, with a Wellbeing Index rating of 70%
• 79% of respondents are optimistic about the near future despite the current situation.
• 89% feel physically safe in the UAE, while 83% feel emotionally safe.
• 86% say they feel at home in the UAE, and 79% say they tend to bounce back or recover after hardships.
• 21% plan to remain in the UAE for six to 10 years, while 48% plan to stay for more than 10 years.
• Family wellbeing is the strongest pillar, rated 80% while financial wellbeing is the weakest, rated 53%.
• Only 45% feel able to manage cost pressures with rising costs.
• Workplace wellbeing rated 69% among working respondents, although only 56% feel positive about job security.

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.”

“At the same time, we are observing that wellbeing 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 wellbeing more holistically and support people across the different parts of their lives.”

Family and safety anchor wellbeing

Family wellbeing is the strongest pillar in the Pulse study, with a rating of 80% followed by social wellbeing at 76% and physical wellbeing at 72%.

The family findings are particularly strong, 85% say their family supports each other during all times, and 84% say home is a physically and emotionally safe place where they can freely express their feelings.

Social wellbeing also performs strongly. In addition to 86% feeling at home in the UAE, 81% say they are able to adapt when changes occur.

The findings resonate with the UAE’s Year of Family, which places family at the centre of the national conversation. In the Pulse data, family is not only a cultural strength, but a measurable wellbeing strength.

Financial strain remains the clearest challenge

While the overall picture is positive, financial wellbeing ranks lowest among the six pillars measured. Just over half of respondents, 53%, rate their overall financial wellbeing positively. Additionally, while less than half 49%, feel positive about their ability to manage expenses and income, over 57% feel confident about their future financial situation.

The weakest figure is around rising costs. Only 45% say they feel able to manage cost pressures with rising costs, while around 41% rate their ability to manage rising costs as only fair and 14% rate it poorly or very poorly.

The findings continue a pattern seen in Cigna Healthcare’s 2025 UAE research, where financial wellbeing was also the lowest-rated pillar and family finances, personal finances and cost of living were among the leading sources of stress.

Workplace support is evolving

The workplace remains an important part of the wellbeing picture. Among working respondents, 69% rating it workplace wellbeing positively. 68% say their work environment supports family and personal commitments, and 63% report positive job satisfaction.

However, job security remains a weaker area, with only 56% feeling positive about it. The research also shows that employees are looking for 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.

Leah Cotterill 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 wellbeing, 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.”

Access the full study here.