A YouGov study has revealed that 74 percent of workers in the UAE aged 18 to 24 believe their mental health affects their work performance. Despite this significant number, only 6 percent reported having received counseling or therapy in the past year, highlighting a concerning gap between awareness and action.

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The stigma surrounding mental health treatment remains prevalent in the region. According to the 2026 PRCA MENA Mental Health Report, 55 percent of respondents indicated that therapy is still viewed negatively. For many, especially those from traditional backgrounds, seeking help can seem like an admission of weakness rather than a proactive step towards improvement.

Younger generations are beginning to shift this perspective. Personal experiences, like that of Yousef Manna, whose fiancé is training to be a therapist, illustrate how understanding therapy as a supportive tool is becoming more common. Manna noted that therapy is increasingly recognized as a means to better manage life's challenges rather than solely addressing serious issues.

The 2026 PRCA MENA Mental Health Report also highlighted that 41 percent of respondents experience frequent burnout, reinforcing the need for both support systems and compassionate workplace environments. Manna shared his own experience with Current Global MENAT, where he received flexible working arrangements and compassionate leave during his father's battle with cancer earlier this year. This level of understanding, he argues, is more beneficial than structured initiatives that may not be present when an employee is most in need.

However, the findings raise crucial questions for employers. Only 16 percent of organizations currently provide mental health training for managers, who should be equipped to recognize when an employee is struggling and to navigate those conversations appropriately.

Creating a workplace culture that encourages open discussions about mental health is essential. Employees need to feel safe expressing their challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions. Manna emphasizes that it is not enough to simply acknowledge the importance of mental health; organizations must foster an environment where asking for help is normalized. Ultimately, the most impactful policies may stem from cultivating a culture that supports employees in expressing their struggles.