UAE's human rights chairperson proclaims 'Mental Health is a Fundamental Right'
H is E xcellency Maqsoud Kruse , Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution UAE , joins 'the mentl space live' to highlight the UAE's commitment to mental health and well-being in the community and the workplace
'Mental health isn't just a personal issue—it's a national priority.'
That was the message from H is E xcellency Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution UAE, during a special live episode of the mentl space podcast, part of Tear Away The Silence — mentl's campaign to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Speaking with Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, HE Maqsoud Kruse emphasized how mental health is now enshrined in UAE law, reinforcing its importance as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of a thriving, ambitious, and resilient society.
Media assets: Watch the full interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXuT6SCBZX4&t=2s
Mental Health as a National Priority—Right from the Top
Mental health in the UAE is not just being championed by advocates and policymakers—it is a clear priority for the nation's leadership , said HE Maqsoud Kruse , ensuring: Access to mental health services
Privacy and confidentiality protections
The fight against stigma through policy and awareness
Beyond legislation, the UAE's leadership has set a vision for well-being that goes beyond healthcare. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has declared 2025 as the Year of Community, recognizing that a strong society is built on the well-being of its people.
'A thriving community is based on thriving individuals,' said HE Maqsoud Kruse. 'This isn't just about services—it's about social connection, purpose, and ensuring that every individual has the support to flourish.'
With 2025 designated as the Year of Community, the UAE is reinforcing that mental health and social well-being must go hand in hand, creating a culture of care, resilience, and shared responsibility.
The Workplace Challenge: A Call to Action for Businesses
While the government is leading the way, HE Maqsoud Kruse issued a challenge to the private sector: it's time to catch up.
'The best workplaces are no longer just productive—they are psychologically safe. And the best leaders are not just Chief Executive Officers—they are Chief Empathy Officers.'
He urged businesses to recognize that mental health is not a cost but an investment—driving motivation, engagement, and long-term success. His message was clear:
'If businesses want profit, they need productivity. If they need productivity, they need motivation. And motivation thrives on well-being.'
'We realized something during the COVID era,' he said. 'The best leaders weren't just Chief Executive Officers—they became Chief Empathy Officers. They saw their teams, connected with them, and understood their struggles. That's the leadership mindset we need today.'
He urged businesses to recognize that mental health is not a cost but an investment—driving motivation, engagement, and long-term success.
The Human Stories Behind the Policies
The podcast session underscored the importance of storytelling in driving change. HE Maqsoud Kruse emphasized that behind every mental health initiative, there is a real person with a real struggle, and that workplaces must create psychologically safe environments where employees feel supported.
'Toxic cultures kill innovation, engagement, and passion,' he noted. 'If people feel unheard or undervalued, they disengage. And when they disengage, businesses lose more than just productivity—they lose talent, creativity, and potential.'
Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice
The UAE has set the standard for mental health as a national priority. The next challenge is ensuring that this vision translates into action in the workplace. The private sector must recognize that: Mental well-being is a business imperative, not a luxury. Leadership must evolve—empathy and emotional intelligence are as critical as strategy.
A thriving economy requires thriving individuals—mental resilience fuels long-term success.
? Listen to the full conversation on the mentl space podcast, available on all major podcast platforms , and YouTube . This is part of mentl's Tear Away The Silence campaign, supported by Viatris.
For more information, visit mentl.space.
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