Bridges and Barriers to Health: Her Story—Emirati Women's Health Needs

Health care services in the United Arab Emirates have developed rapidly in the last 30 years fueled by oil revenues. These services have been planned and provided predominantly by non-nationals, with mixed success. The authors identify aspects of the health care system and the sociocultural environment that create both barriers and bridges to holistic health for Emirati women. Barriers include early/consanguineous marriage, frequent childbearing, polygamy, and care that is lacking in competence and cultural sensitivity. Bridges include Islam, folk medicine, cultural traditions, and the opportunity to travel abroad for health care. Maids are seen as both a barrier and bridge at different times. Recommendations for future improvements include listening to Emirati women and providing more gender-appropriate, holistic, and culturally congruent programs.