
Forbes Middle East to host active Abu Dhabi Fest 2025, building a healthier community
Abu Dhabi: Forbes Middle East is set to launch its inaugural Active Abu Dhabi Fest 2025, a health and fitness festival presented by PureHealth and the Emirates Foundation, which will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 10am to 4pm at Marsana on Hudayriyat Island.
The Active Abu Dhabi Fest will break new ground by making inclusivity a central focus with wellness that actively engages individuals of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone—whether they are seasoned fitness enthusiasts or those with limited mobility—can participate in movement and well-being practices. By offering a variety of activities, from slow stretching sessions to high-energy workouts, the festival fosters an environment where health and fitness are accessible and achievable for all. This is a core element of the event's concept and represents a significant shift towards more inclusive wellness initiatives in Abu Dhabi.
In alignment with Active Abu Dhabi's mission, the event will also serve as a catalyst for improving public health and fostering a healthier, more active community. Active Abu Dhabi aims to elevate the capital's wellness ecosystem, providing accessible platforms that inspire long-term lifestyle changes. Through the Active Abu Dhabi Fest, organizers hope to kickstart an ambitious vision: improving the overall health of the local population by encouraging sustainable, active habits and raising awareness about the benefits of mental and physical well-being.
Active Abu Dhabi plays a key role in the success of the Active Abu Dhabi Fest, aligning with its mission to promote a healthier, more active community. As a driving force behind the festival, Active Abu Dhabi ensures that the event remains inclusive and accessible to all, encouraging individuals from all walks of life to engage in health and wellness activities. Through its support, Active Abu Dhabi reinforces its commitment to building a sustainable culture of wellness in the emirate, inspiring long-term lifestyle changes that benefit the community's physical and mental well-being.
The event's programming will feature expert speakers and thought leaders who will share insights on nutrition, fitness, and personal development, offering practical tips that attendees can incorporate into their daily lives. Speakers will include fitness blogger Loubna El Jawharji; Ahmad Haffar, Managing Director of Mindloop Studios; Rola Ghaddar, intuitive eating dietitian; TV host Youssef Al Hamadi; dietitian Mirna Sabbagh; and Lubna Ahmad Alrefai, Founder of Luby Tea. While the focus is on offering actionable lifestyle advice, the event also aims to motivate and inspire individuals to adopt healthier, more active habits that can lead to lasting improvements in their well-being.
The event's Wellness Hub will feature fitness challenges, relaxation sessions, boxing, volleyball, a bootcamp workout, and inner peace meditation, providing attendees with a well-rounded experience that promotes both physical and mental health. Sessions such as slow stretching will offer accessible practices for those with limited mobility, reinforcing the inclusivity of the event. This focus on diverse and adaptable wellness activities demonstrates that fitness is for everyone—no matter their age, ability, or fitness level.
The Active Abu Dhabi Fest is more than just a one-day event. It is part of a broader movement to embed health and wellness into the fabric of Abu Dhabi's community. By offering a platform for thought leaders to discuss emerging wellness trends and fostering an inclusive atmosphere, the event aims to inspire positive change and build a sustainable wellness culture that resonates across the region.
About Forbes Middle East
Forbes Middle East is a licensed edition of Forbes for the Arab world, championing inspiring business journalism and entrepreneurial capitalism. Its online and social platforms break news covering billionaires, business, investment, technology, economy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury lifestyles. The monthly magazine, featuring in-depth interviews with the Middle East's most influential and innovative leaders, is published in print in English and Arabic, with digital versions available to both regional and global audiences online. Forbes Middle East extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world, conducting its own comprehensive research to publish original lists that adhere to strict methodologies. Its content attracts business leaders, investors, active and potential entrepreneurs, and a wide audience of ambitious and influential executives.
About PureHealth
PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centers, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments, and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.
PureHealth's network comprises:
SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE's leading health insurer
The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
Rafed – The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
Circle Health Group – The largest independent operator of hospitals in the UK
Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) - the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus
PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specializing in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services, and AI information systems
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
About the Emirates Foundation
The Emirates Foundation was established in 2005 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to drive social transformation and sustainable impact across the UAE. Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for social change, fostering shared values and unlocking opportunities that empower communities and contribute to the nation's long-term development.
Operating under the broader framework of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the Emirates Foundation collaborates with government entities, corporations, and non-profits to shape positive societal behaviors, support the third sector, and channel resources toward scalable, high-impact initiatives. The organization focused on four key areas – physical and mental well-being, financial resilience, environmental sustainability, and community contributions for social good.
For nearly two decades, the Emirates Foundation has been a trusted enabler of social progress, driving cross-sector collaboration, supporting social enterprises, and fostering innovation to create lasting, community-driven impact. Its flagship programs include Active Abu Dhabi, Zoud, ne'ma, Takatof, Sanid, and Dawamee, among other programs.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
5 days ago
- The National
Abu Dhabi vaccine hub opens in 'logistics milestone' for capital
Operations have begun at an Abu Dhabi vaccine distribution hub primed to deliver millions of doses each year as part of a mission to improve access to health care across the region. The logistics centre, developed by authorities in the capital in partnership with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, has been hailed as a strategic milestone for the emirate. The facility, based at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad) and operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, is now up and running after receiving its first shipment. It will manage a portfolio of more than 20 vaccines for both adults and children to support efforts to boost immunisation rates and limit the spread of a number of diseases. It features advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technology to preserve vaccines in temperature-controlled environments while being stored and when distributed to other parts of the world. The hub is connected to Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network, which links Abu Dhabi to more than 100 international destinations and offers time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical products. 'The operational launch of Abu Dhabi's regional vaccine hub signals our readiness to serve the region with speed, precision, and reliability,' said Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi's Department of Health. 'More than a logistics milestone, this reflects our long-term vision to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted partner in global health where innovation and resilience translate into timely access and measurable public health impact. 'Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE's leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare.' The hub has been developed under a major global partnership also including Abu Dhabi Investment Office Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Etihad Cargo. Boyd Chongphaisal, vice president and general manager for GSK Gulf, spoke of the significance of the launch of the drug manufacturer's first distribution centre in the Middle East and its fourth in the world. 'The launch of our vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi represents a shared commitment to health security, innovation, and access,' he said. 'Through our strategic partnership with DoH and local stakeholders, we are combining scientific excellence with operational strength to ensure timely, efficient delivery of vaccines across the region.' The partnership between Abu Dhabi and GSK builds on firm foundation developed during the Covid-19 pandemic. In June 2021, Abu Dhabi became the first city to receive Sotrovimab, a GSK-developed drug that eased the symptoms of the most critically ill Covid patients. More than 23,000 people benefited from the drug, and the partnership opened new doors for research collaboration. The UAE cemented its status as a key global player in healthcare logistics during the pandemic, as governments sought to secure swift and efficient methods to deliver essential vaccines. Abu Dhabi's Hope Consortium oversaw a 19,000-square-metre cold and ultra-cold storage facility in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, which housed tens of millions of Covid-19 vaccines being delivered around the world.


Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi launches operations at its regional vaccine distribution hub
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced the operational launch of the region's vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi, following the arrival of the facility's first shipments. Located in Abu Dhabi and developed in partnership with leading global and regional stakeholders, the hub is a strategic milestone in the Emirate's vision to strengthen global health security, ensure equitable vaccine access, and build resilient supply chains across the region. Located in KEZAD and operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the hub was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), GSK, AD Ports Group, Etihad Cargo, and KEZAD Group. It is a cornerstone of the UAE's expanding life sciences ecosystem and is designed to improve vaccine access across the region. The hub leverages Abu Dhabi's strategic location, its advanced cold-chain logistics infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that is both agile and supportive of innovation. This hub reflects Abu Dhabi's model of cross-sector collaboration uniting government, biopharma, logistics, and innovation under one ecosystem. The activation of the hub follows a strategic agreement signed between DoH and GSK during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week in 2024 to establish regional vaccine distribution capabilities in the emirate. Now realized, the facility becomes GSK's first vaccine distribution centre in the Middle East and the fourth worldwide, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's role in supporting regional health security and global supply chain resilience. The hub's activation also marks one of the first major operational milestones under HELM – Abu Dhabi's Life Science Cluster, which was officially launched in April 2025 during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. As the emirate's flagship platform to drive life sciences investment, innovation, and global collaboration, HELM brings together government, industry, and academia to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a preferred global partner in precision health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biopharma logistics. The hub's integration under HELM demonstrates how Abu Dhabi is translating its life sciences vision into operational outcomes that drive regional impact. H.E Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'The operational launch of Abu Dhabi's regional vaccine hub signals our readiness to serve the region with speed, precision, and reliability. More than a logistics milestone, this reflects our long-term vision to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted partner in global health where innovation and resilience translate into timely access and measurable public health impact. Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE's leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare.' The facility will manage a portfolio of more than 20 vaccines, including those for paediatric and adult populations, supporting lifelong immunisation strategies across multiple markets. Designed for scalability, the hub can accommodate emerging vaccine technologies and increased regional demand, while maintaining the highest global quality and safety standards. Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf, commented: 'The launch of our vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi represents a shared commitment to health security, innovation, and access. Through our strategic partnership with DoH and local stakeholders, we are combining scientific excellence with operational strength to ensure timely, efficient delivery of vaccines across the region. The integration of this hub under HELM further demonstrates GSK's pioneering stance and alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision for driving impactful outcomes in the life sciences sector on a regional and global scale. This initiative is also a testament to Abu Dhabi's position in the global value chain, strengthening its role in global health and innovation.' Rafed, the operator of the facility, has deployed advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies that preserve vaccine integrity and ensure end-to-end visibility throughout the logistics process. The hub is fully integrated with Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network, which connects Abu Dhabi to more than 100 international destinations and offers time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical products. Mohammad Mustafa Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed added: 'As a PureHealth company, Rafed is committed to delivering healthcare excellence through world-class pharmaceutical logistics. The launch of this regional vaccine distribution hub is a tangible expression of our strategy to strengthen health systems, improve access, and build resilience across borders. By deploying advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies, we are enabling real-time, end-to-end visibility. We remain focused on supporting governments and health partners with confidence and reliability to achieve better health outcomes for communities from Abu Dhabi across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.' The facility is expected to distribute millions of doses annually, shortening delivery timelines across the region and improving the integrity of vaccine supply. Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways added: 'Etihad Cargo's participation in this initiative reflects our continued investment in healthcare logistics. Our network and specialised PharmaLife product play a critical role in transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines reliably and efficiently across the region. We are proud to support Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global leader in life sciences and supply chain excellence.' The facility's activation significantly strengthens Abu Dhabi's life sciences value chain and supports the UAE's ambition to serve as a global hub for innovation-led, knowledge-based industries. Its operational readiness will help improve vaccine access, reduce delivery lead times, and address public health needs through a more proactive and resilient healthcare model. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and partners interested in leveraging Abu Dhabi's vaccine logistics capabilities are invited to join HELM and explore opportunities through The hub is expected to expand in scale and scope as Abu Dhabi continues to invest in strengthening its global life sciences footprint. About the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH): The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is the regulative body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Committed to ensuring excellence in healthcare, DoH monitors the health status of the population while shaping the regulatory framework for the health system. This includes inspecting against regulations, enforcing standards and encouraging the adoption of world-class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare providers in the Emirate. Abu Dhabi remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare by establishing an intelligent and sustainable ecosystem that prioritises health, longevity and quality of life for all community members. Leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge capabilities, DoH continues to develop and implement initiatives and programmes in line with its strategic focus areas, Healthy Population, Best-in-Class Care and Resilience and Innovation. These efforts reflect DoH's unwavering commitment to predicting, preventing and personalising healthcare for every individual. For further information on DOH, visit and follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact: Mariam Al Marzooqi, msalmarzooqi@


Al Etihad
16-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Naya's heartwarming success story at age eight
16 July 2025 14:20 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) SEHA's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, a subsidiary of PureHealth, shares the inspiring journey of Naya, an eight-year-old girl born with Down syndrome, whose developmental progress serves as a beacon of remarkable growth is a testament to the outstanding, high-quality interventions provided by the Rehabilitation Centre at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. All professionals involved in her care have delivered exceptional support, underpinned by expert leadership and consistent, compassionate has made exceptional progress in her speech therapy. Once communicating with fragmented and underdeveloped language, she can now express her thoughts and needs in complete sentences—and is working towards fluency in three languages. Najla, Speech Therapist at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, shared her pride in Naya's accomplishments, noting that her journey demonstrates what is possible with dedication and tailored occupational therapy, Naya has attained full independence. Tasks that once posed significant challenges are now performed with ease, enabling her to participate in daily life like any other child. Anas, Occupational Therapist, described her transformation as truly rewarding and a reflection of Naya's determination and in physical therapy, Naya has shown immense improvement in her balance and posture, overcoming a history of toe-walking. Karim, Physical Therapist, praised her as a true warrior for her resilience and Naya thrives at Al Bateen Academy – Aldar, actively participating in school life without the support of a shadow teacher. Her seamless integration into the classroom reflects her hard work, the strength of the interventions she received, and the unwavering support surrounding family has been a vital source of strength throughout her journey. Her mother, Mrs Lina, expressed joy at witnessing Naya's growth, crediting her achievements to determination and the exceptional care provided by the Rehabilitation Centre. Her father added that Naya's story proves that with faith, hard work, and the right support, anything is possible. The family conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the entire SKMC story is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential that can be unlocked when awareness, expertise, and compassion come together. Her ongoing journey of resilience and success serves as an inspiration to families across the UAE and beyond. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, part of SEHA, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This recognition, in addition to its SEHA accreditation, reinforces the facility's commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centred care across both acute and rehabilitative services, in alignment with the highest international standards.