A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Birmingham Dubai in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled the staggering hidden costs of diabetes in the UAE. While medical expenses account for a mere 5.7% of the total burden, the remaining 94.3% stems from indirect losses such as reduced productivity, missed workdays, early retirement, and premature deaths. These findings highlight the silent yet profound impact of diabetes on individuals, families, and the national economy. The study, led by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf, associate professor and director of the Public Health Programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai, projects a steady rise in diabetes cases over the next two decades. By 2050, over 1.3 million UAE residents are expected to be living with the disease, with annual deaths potentially reaching 5,920. The economic burden of diabetes in the UAE reached $19.5 billion in 2023, with projections soaring to $30.3 billion by 2050. The study also warns that across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the financial toll of diabetes could escalate to $1.5 trillion by 2050, driven primarily by lost productivity rather than medical costs. Dr. Elmusharaf emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in prevention and early diagnosis to mitigate the growing human and economic costs. ‘This study sends a clear message to policymakers that diabetes is silently draining our economies,’ he stated. The research underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address this escalating public health crisis.