65% in MENA face mental health challenges, yet 82% rate their wellbeing as positive, GIG’s Wellbeing Report reveals

Gulf Insurance Group (GIG) – a leading insurance provider in the Middle East and North Africa – has announced the launch of a new report that offers unique insight into the wellbeing landscape in the region. GIG’s inaugural Wellbeing Report, which underscores the company’s firm commitment to advancing holistic health, reveals both intriguing trends and areas where improvements could have a significant impact on wellbeing.

Conducted by renowned research firm YouGov on behalf of GIG Group, the report delves into key factors influencing overall wellbeing, including physical health, mental health, and lifestyle habits. Despite a generally positive outlook on wellbeing among survey respondents – based in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, and Jordan – the report highlights an important trend: a significant portion of the population is facing mental health challenges and could benefit from additional support.

“We are proud to introduce our Wellbeing Report, a cornerstone of our mission to promote holistic wellbeing for all our members across the MENA region,” says Khaled Saoud Al Hasan,
Vice Chairman & CEO, Gulf Insurance Group. “With wellbeing emerging as a key focus in today’s world, our report aims to provide a clear and comprehensive picture of the wellbeing landscape and identify areas for ongoing improvement and support.”

Survey respondents were asked a range of questions about factors impacting their overall wellbeing, from physical ailments and medical conditions such as allergies and diabetes to mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. The survey also explores lifestyle influences, including sleep, diet, and exercise, as well as stressors and activities undertaken to promote mental peace.

“The findings are both insightful and eye-opening,” continued Khaled Saoud Al Hasan. “While 82% of respondents reported positive overall wellbeing and 84% rated their mental wellbeing as good, 65% acknowledged facing mental health challenges in the year preceding our survey. Even more notably, 62% of those who reported mental health challenges based their responses on self-diagnosis, suggesting opportunities for better awareness and understanding of mental wellbeing in the region. Moreover, up to 35% of respondents in some countries were unsure of where to seek help, underscoring an urgent need for enhanced communication and support structures.”

In addition to mental health challenges, the report also highlights significant findings in physical health and lifestyle habits. While 74% of respondents assessed their physical health positively, ailments such as allergies (15%) and musculoskeletal disorders (14%) were frequently reported. Furthermore, lifestyle factors showed room for growth, with only 54% of respondents getting the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night, and more than half not engaging in regular exercise. These insights underscore the need for a more holistic approach to wellbeing that addresses both mental and physical health as well as lifestyle choices.

Workplace wellbeing emerged as another area of focus, with many respondents expressing a desire for employer-driven initiatives such as regular health checks, stress management programmes, and wellness workshops. Digital tools such as mental wellbeing and fitness apps were also highlighted as areas where employees would like to see greater support from their employers.

Laura Gerstein Alvarez, Chief Employee Benefits Officer, GIG Gulf concluded: “Our report opens the door for important dialogue within the industry. Why is there such a high rate of self-diagnosis for mental health challenges, and how can we ensure that all our members have access to the support they need? While these findings point to areas for further attention, we are confident that this report will inspire meaningful discussions and prompt actions to enhance wellbeing across the region.”

The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of GIG Group, gathered responses from 3,599 individuals – males and females over the age of 18 – across eight countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, and Jordan. Participants were either current health insurance holders or prospective buyers, ensuring a diverse and representative sample. All responses were collected confidentially, with responses remaining anonymous to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the data.