Almost 50% of patients are under 65, with hypertension and diabetes prevalent
Dubai: Stroke is affecting people in the UAE more than a decade earlier than in Western countries, according to two independent studies conducted at medical universities in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah — one recently published in a medical journal and the other a large hospital-based study.
Together, the findings present a concerning trend for UAE residents: strokes are increasingly occurring in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, with high rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity contributing to the rise.
The first study — a retrospective hospital-based analysis from Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah — examined 837 stroke patients treated between 2020 and 2024. It is considered the first and largest hospital study to assess the stroke burden in the Northern Emirates.
Together, the findings present a concerning trend for UAE residents: strokes are increasingly occurring in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, with high rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity contributing to the rise.
The first study — a retrospective hospital-based analysis from Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah — examined 837 stroke patients treated between 2020 and 2024. It is considered the first and largest hospital study to assess the stroke burden in the Northern Emirates.
Nearly half of all stroke cases occurred in people aged 45 to 65, while roughly one in four patients was under 45.
Other options:
- About 50% of cases were among those aged 45–65, and around 25% were younger than 45.
- Almost half of patients fell within the 45–65 age range, with one-quarter under 45.
- Nearly 50% of strokes affected 45–65-year-olds, and about a quarter involved patients under 45.
‘Markedly Younger Age’
Research shows that stroke in the UAE is occurring “at a markedly younger age compared to Western populations,” highlighting a distinct epidemiological pattern.
The second study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and conducted by Fatima College of Health Sciences and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, focused on young adults admitted to a tertiary stroke centre in Abu Dhabi. This study included 51 patients between October 2024 and March 2025, with a median age of just 40. Researchers noted that while stroke has traditionally been associated with older adults, it is increasingly common among younger populations.
High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Dominate
Both studies revealed a heavy burden of cardiometabolic disease among stroke patients.
- In the Ras Al Khaimah study, 75.2% of patients had hypertension and 49.5% had diabetes, described as a “high vascular risk factor burden.” Women showed higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, while smoking was more common among men.
- In the Abu Dhabi study, 35.3% were known hypertensives and 23.5% diabetics prior to admission. However, hospital assessments found many more patients with high blood pressure and abnormal blood sugar, prompting calls for routine screening in younger adults.
Men Disproportionately Affected
Both studies show men are significantly more affected:
- Ras Al Khaimah: 76.2% of stroke patients were male, with men experiencing strokes at a younger age (average 54 years) compared to women (61.2 years).
- Abu Dhabi: 86.3% of patients were male.
Researchers noted that “more young men are experiencing stroke due to lifestyle-related factors, many of which can be prevented.”
Obesity and Weight-Related Risks
The Abu Dhabi study highlighted obesity as a major concern among younger stroke patients:
- Median BMI: 25.7
- 60.8% classified as overweight or obese
- Two-thirds had an elevated waist-to-height ratio, indicating high cardiometabolic risk
The authors recommend routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle factors in younger adults.
Stroke Types and Recurrence
- Ischaemic strokes (caused by blockages) were the dominant type: 81% in Ras Al Khaimah, 92.2% in Abu Dhabi.
- Haemorrhagic strokes were proportionally more frequent among younger patients.
- In Ras Al Khaimah, 15.4% of patients had experienced a previous stroke, with recurrence strongly linked to age and diabetes.
A Distinct UAE Pattern
The Ras Al Khaimah study highlights a “distinct epidemiological pattern” featuring younger stroke onset, high vascular risk, and notable sex differences. The Abu Dhabi study describes the trend as “growing,” stressing the need for early screening, prevention, and tailored rehabilitation programs.
Together, the studies conclude that stroke in the UAE affects people younger than expected, with many cases linked to preventable risk factors.
Key takeaway: Stroke is no longer a disease confined to older adults in the UAE, and hospital data show that warning signs are already emerging across the country.
