It’s Friday, it’s half past 10 and Neil (not his real name), a marketing executive in Dubai, is still typing away on his keyboard, his massive dual screen dividing his attention from the reports he needs to accomplish on the right, and the seemingly unrealistic company targets on the left.
Neil is not alone; try driving in the business centers in the late hours of the evening and you see brightly illuminated offices, still buzzing with activity. An observant eye could see occasional groups of Talabat delivery riders chatting the night away, hoping to get another delivery request on their app.
Long hours of work are not considered a norm in most countries of Europe, where Neil came from. But in fast-paced countries, it is just another day at the office.
The result? Burnout, stress-related health concerns, such as eye strain, cardiovascular issues, digestive problems due to lack of proper nutrition (remember the Talabat riders), and mental health conditions such as fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Read: Workplace wellness: 5 tips for a healthier office environment
Dr Jamilah Motala, a licensed clinical psychologist based in Dubai, says: “Long working hours, that is, the number of hours that exceed what would be considered average for that given occupation, can have a profound negative effect on a person’s mental health.”
She explains: “Compounded by an extended or sustained period of time, long working hours impact on the brain and body in the following ways: Physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems. Psychological symptoms, for example, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable, anxious and/or sad, feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. Behavioral symptoms, such as reduced productivity and making mistakes, increased alcohol or nicotine use, fracturing relationships and social withdrawal, changes in eating, decreased exercise.
“These symptoms may increase the risk of developing a range of mental health problems, including stress and occupational burnout, to anxiety and depressive disorders. There is an increasing body of research evidencing the link between longer working hours and mental illnesses, as well as the correlation between these and physical markers such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.”
“Long working hours often mean that the usual foundations of self-care that we may have in place to take care of our wellbeing such as good sleep, healthy food, exercise and activity, and spending time with loved ones, are likely to become compromised or sacrificed,” Dr Motala adds.
Numbers tell the story
These concerns are backed by numbers.
According to a report from Oliver Wyman, titled Transforming Mental Wellness – A Roadmap for Change in the GCC, mental health disorders are a widespread global concern, affecting roughly 1 in 8 people at any given time. Among the most prevalent conditions are anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. Notably, anxiety and depression together account for over half of all diagnosed cases, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and access to effective treatment.
The report also highlighted notable programs the GCC implemented. Authorities are increasingly integrating mental health into their national healthcare agendas and launching focused awareness initiatives.
Saudi Arabia: As part of Vision 2030, mental health is a key pillar of the kingdom’s healthcare reform, underscoring its critical role in achieving long-term social and economic development.
UAE: The National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 places strong emphasis on mental wellness. Dubai has committed AED 105 million over five years to implement its Mental Health Strategy, while Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health launched a comprehensive mental wellbeing initiative.
Qatar: The National Mental Health Strategy emphasizes accessible, community-based mental health services, aiming to deliver more inclusive and patient-centered care.
Mental health challenges
According to the Future of Workplace Wellbeing report by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, poor mental health has serious consequences for business performance. It negatively impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. A 2023 study highlights a strong link between mental wellbeing and workplace productivity, showing that enhanced psychological safety directly correlates with improved performance.
Mental health challenges also contribute to elevated stress levels, which are closely associated with increased absenteeism and burnout — both of which significantly reduce overall workforce productivity. Conversely, when employee wellbeing is prioritized, organizations are better positioned to achieve growth in key performance areas.
Dr Motala explains: “Organizations have a duty of care to foster a culture of healthy working in the form of using parameters and protecting boundaries of working, while ensuring that this is regularly reviewed and refined as required.
“Strategies such as enabling a culture of open communication is essential for building trust and psychological safety in a workforce. This would involve scheduling regular and supportive team meetings and team-building activities in order to nurture such relationships.
“Using existing structures and protecting these will aid towards enabling mental health wellbeing. For example, utilizing flexible working hours, remote working, honoring lunch breaks and annual leave without disturbances, time off to attend medical appointments, and a pleasant physical workspace increases the likelihood of mental healthcare.
“The mental health of the leader / manager will also influence the message that is being communicated to the rest of the team. A leader who, for example, advocates good mental and physical health, is motivated to nurture relationships, and empowers others to fulfil their potential, contributes to enhancing an environment for mental wellbeing.
“Employees are also required to take responsibility for their mental wellbeing by utilizing available resources and existing support mechanisms. A working environment which is more positive, balanced and considers the mental health needs of its employees, is more likely to lead to higher morale, employee performance, loyalty and staff retention.”
“The benefits of this, however, go far beyond employee satisfaction, and extend towards enabling a more harmonious environment, increased productivity and revenue, which builds towards systemic wellbeing,” Dr Motala adds.
Another effective approach is to recognize and measure mental wellbeing as a core workplace metric. This creates an opportunity to harness data-driven leadership to enhance productivity, improve job satisfaction, and support workforce retention.
As workplaces continue to evolve with the integration of advanced technology and AI, it becomes increasingly important to explore how these tools can support mental health strategies and contribute to a more people-centered workplace culture.
Employers’ role in promoting wellness
Employers play a critical role in promoting mental health through supportive policies, workplace wellness programs, mental health resources, and employee assistance initiatives. Training sessions and awareness campaigns can further equip employees with the tools to build resilience and thrive in a healthy work environment.
What are some of the programs companies could implement to promote wellbeing in the workplace?
Dr Motala says: “There are a range of wellbeing initiatives and programs that companies could consider applying into their organization.
“Employee assistance programs (EAP) are structured funded services by companies to support workforces with any personal or professional issues. Services include psychological therapy, health events, mental health and wellbeing workshops, wellness trainings, support for managers, critical incident advice and debriefings, and facilitating regular surveys to review the effectiveness of such programs.
“Other initiatives which may already exist or could be incorporated into an EAP are learning and development schemes, to include recognizing and rewarding achievements. Investing in the workforce helps people to feel valued and cared for, boosting self-worth and sense of belonging.
“Similarly, providing access to on-site fitness and shower facilities or subsidized membership at a fitness center encourages and models behaviors and attitudes which promote good mental health. The role of senior leaders is crucial to this process. Skepticism and lack of senior belief and commitment in such initiatives can significantly undermine its potential benefits.”
“Furthermore, the success of such programs rely on the ability of line managers to notice if their employees are struggling mentally and physically. Therefore, any wellbeing initiatives-planning would need to incorporate skills training for line managers to undertake this responsibility,” she adds.
Raising mental health awareness in the GCC
In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, cultural sensitivities and widespread misconceptions — particularly among older generations — continue to hinder mental health literacy. As a result, many individuals facing mental health challenges are reluctant to seek help.
According to an analysis by Oliver Wyman, around 40 percent of the population in the region is unsure where to turn for mental health support, while 35 percent believe their symptoms are merely temporary and will resolve without professional intervention.
Fear of negative repercussions is another significant barrier, especially among blue-collar workers, who often worry that accessing mental health care could jeopardize their employment.
To address these challenges, governments and organizations must launch comprehensive awareness campaigns that engage communities, schools, and workplaces. These initiatives should prioritize mental health education and promote early detection through screening programs in schools, universities, and occupational settings.
Strengthening privacy and confidentiality protections is also essential to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek care without fear of professional or social consequences.
UAE leads the way in mental health awareness
Dr Motala shares her views: “The UAE remains committed to promoting, implementing measures and reducing the stigma associated with mental health. The UAE’s federal law on mental health aims to protect and preserve the rights of citizens and expatriates alike, as well as support them to access services as required.
“The use of responsible social media and digital platforms to raise awareness and share knowledge, as well as provide information and support, remains the most effective means of building bridges between people and their mental health.
“Awareness-raising through schools and other education institutions, places of worship, through to sporting events and shopping malls, help to reach a number of people across a variety of settings.
“Reaching out to local communities and neighborhoods, using Arabic, English and other languages will likely increase access to conversations about mental health.
“The framing of such conversations, to include the vocabulary that is used, is extremely important in order to ensure that interpretation and meaning of the narrative can be as accurate as possible,” Dr Motala believes.
Expanding insurance coverage and accessibility
The Oliver Wyman report also highlights serious gaps in mental health insurance coverage across the region. Many existing plans exclude mental health services entirely or restrict coverage to emergency situations. In particular, psychological therapies are often not included, and services are typically concentrated in major urban centers, leaving rural populations with limited or no access.
To create a more inclusive system, policymakers must mandate that all insurance plans provide comprehensive mental health coverage — extending beyond crisis care to include community-based treatments and outpatient services. Collaboration between governments and private insurers will be essential to subsidize care for low-income groups, ensuring financial limitations do not stand in the way of treatment.
Additionally, implementing free, round-the-clock emergency hotlines and digital self-assessment tools can offer immediate support for those in crisis and serve as accessible entry points into the broader mental health system.
Building momentum
As governments and key stakeholders across the GCC place increasing emphasis on mental health, the region stands at the threshold of a meaningful transformation in mental healthcare. While significant challenges remain, the momentum is building — creating a real opportunity to develop a world-class mental health system that can improve the quality of life for millions.
Achieving this vision will require a coordinated, multisectoral effort. Healthcare providers, employers, community organizations, and educational institutions must all play a role in shaping a supportive, stigma-free environment that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and accessible treatment.
By fostering collaboration across the entire ecosystem, the GCC can lay the foundation for a resilient and inclusive mental health framework — one that sets a global benchmark for innovation and impact.
The future of mental health in the workplace
“There has been an increased drive towards bringing to awareness the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace, plus the application of initiatives to support it,” Dr Motala says.
“The degree to which it continues to gain traction will depend on the motivation and the readiness of a system to continue to culturally shift its focus towards facilitating its growth. A revised set of expectations from a younger generation of workers, coupled with advancements in technology, especially post-Covid, has meant that it is impossible for businesses to sidestep the opportunity that comes with investing in mental health in the workplace.”
“Organizations that actively engage in supporting employees with their mental health generate not just a happier and healthier workforce, but a system which is healthier and more sustainable for a longer-term future,” Dr Motala adds.
The gleaming office towers and 24/7 work culture may reflect progress and ambition, but they also conceal a mounting mental health crisis. Extended work hours, blurred boundaries between personal and professional life, and the pressure to constantly perform are quietly eroding emotional well-being.
For many like Neil, what begins as dedication can quickly spiral into chronic stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and ultimately burnout. In a culture that often glorifies overwork, the silent toll on mental health is frequently overlooked — until it’s too late.
