The UAE has eliminated 409 mosquito breeding sites in a nationwide anti-dengue fever campaign — a significant public health milestone announced during a Federal National Council session by Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.
The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in direct response to a surge in the mosquito population following uncharacteristically heavy rainfall, which created extensive pools of standing water that accelerated mosquito larvae development across the country.
How the UAE Dengue Mosquito Campaign Worked
The operation relied on advanced GPS technology to survey and map mosquito breeding grounds across every emirate. Authorities simultaneously established an insect laboratory dedicated to testing pesticide effectiveness against the specific mosquito strains identified in the field.
Nine specialist teams from the Emirates Health Services Corporation were deployed to the northern emirates as part of the coordinated response. In total, more than 1,200 sites were surveyed for mosquito activity, and 309 samples were collected and analyzed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority to determine both the distribution and pesticide-resistance patterns of the mosquitoes present.
Technology and Data Behind the Mosquito Control Effort
Othaibah Saeed Al Qaydi, Director of the Municipal Affairs Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), outlined how GIS mapping, environmental sensors, predictive modeling, and big data analysis are all being deployed to track and combat mosquito proliferation. MoCCAE also activated a public reporting channel encouraging citizens to flag locations where mosquito numbers appeared to be rising.
Public Awareness and Prevention Guidelines
MOHAP ran awareness campaigns in both Arabic and English to educate residents on personal protection and site prevention measures. Authorities advise individuals to apply insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing, and install anti-mosquito screens in homes and workplaces.
UAE Dengue Fever Treatment Capacity
Alongside the mosquito eradication drive, health infrastructure was strengthened to ensure rapid diagnosis and care. All 134 Emirates Health Services facilities across the UAE are equipped to treat dengue fever patients, with diagnostic and laboratory tests completed within 24 to 48 hours in line with international standards.
Cases are reported directly to rapid-response teams and epidemiological units, which track each confirmed infection to prevent further spread. These coordinated measures reflect the UAE authorities' commitment to protecting residents and avoiding a dengue fever outbreak following the unprecedented flooding.
