UAE Launches National Campaign for Drug Enforcement: ‘United as One to Eradicate the Threat’
UAE – The National Drug Enforcement Authority, in partnership with the UAE Government Media Office, has officially launched the National Campaign for Drug Enforcement, themed ‘United as One to Eradicate the Threat.’ This initiative was unveiled during a special event at the Creators HQ, aligning with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The campaign is part of the UAE’s strategic vision aimed at protecting society and preserving national achievements.
The launch event was attended by prominent figures including His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Authority; Her Excellency Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; and His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office. Senior officials from security, education, and media sectors, along with media representatives and digital content creators, were also present.
Commitment to Community Safety
His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan emphasized that the UAE’s commitment to combating drug abuse is a fundamental aspect of the leadership’s vision, prioritizing human well-being and community security. He stated that the UAE is dedicated to a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, public awareness, legislation, law enforcement, and treatment and rehabilitation support.
He remarked, “The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of a single entity, but rather a shared national and civic duty that requires public awareness, solidarity, and collaboration. Safeguarding our people is the foundation for any nation’s progress and stability.” The campaign is designed to foster a collective responsibility for societal protection, emphasizing that prevention starts with awareness and cohesive family structures.
Three Pillars of the Campaign
The campaign is structured around three main pillars:
Family as First Line of Defense: The family is recognized as the most critical factor in protecting children, fostering trust, dialogue, and emotional support.
Youth Empowerment: The initiative aims to raise awareness among young people, building their confidence and encouraging informed decision-making to resist harmful influences.
Educational Institutions: Schools are identified as key partners in educating and nurturing children, shaping their values and behaviors.
His Excellency Sheikh Zayed highlighted the evolving challenges and sophisticated methods used to promote drug use among youth, stressing the need for proactive prevention strategies.
Building Trust and Community Engagement
His Excellency stated that true awareness is achieved through fostering trust and inspiring hope within communities. The National Drug Enforcement Authority plans to launch official social media platforms to enhance direct communication with the public. These channels will serve to disseminate accurate information and address community inquiries.
He reassured families and youth, stating, “You are not alone. The National Drug Enforcement Authority dedicates its full resources to serving the community and providing round-the-clock support in confidence and complete privacy through the Hosn service at 80044.” This service is designed for reporting issues, seeking consultation, and requesting treatment and rehabilitation support.
Addressing Global Drug Trends
Major Fahad Abdullah Haikal, Spokesperson for the National Drug Enforcement Authority, presented concerning global statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025. He revealed that over 316 million people, approximately 6% of the global working-age population, used drugs, marking a significant 28% increase over the past decade.
Major Haikal remarked, “Faced with this global reality, the UAE continues to reinforce its pioneering model of safety, security, and quality of life, guided by its leadership that places people at the core of development.” He emphasized the interconnected nature of global challenges, which necessitates heightened readiness and proactive measures.
Evolving Threats and Community Responsibility
The National Drug Enforcement Authority, established in August 2025, is tasked with formulating and implementing anti-drug policies and dismantling trafficking networks in collaboration with local and federal stakeholders. Major Haikal noted that today’s drug threats increasingly target youth through social media and gaming platforms, necessitating a shift in approach to engage and educate young people effectively.
He added that many cases of drug abuse stem from curiosity and peer pressure, urging the younger generation to recognize that true strength lies in self-awareness and the courage to resist harmful influences. The family unit is highlighted as the primary defense against drug threats, with stability and open communication being essential.
Comprehensive Awareness Program
The National Campaign for Drug Enforcement aims to implement a comprehensive awareness program tailored to the interests of the younger generation. This initiative seeks to establish proactive prevention as a fundamental defense against drug abuse, disseminating accurate information through inspiring messaging.
The Hosn service (80044) will facilitate confidential communication between the public and the National Drug Enforcement Authority, allowing individuals to report issues and seek assistance while ensuring privacy and exemption from criminal liability.
The event also introduced the Authority’s new visual identity, reflecting a commitment to enhanced prevention and community awareness.
Discussion Panel Insights
A discussion panel titled ‘The Socialisation Ecosystem’ featured experts from various fields, including Dr. Abdulrahman Sharaf Al Maamari, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Dr. Mohammed Al Jneibi, and Dr. Abdullah Al Khayat. The panel focused on the roles of families and educational institutions in protecting youth from drug abuse, emphasizing the importance of fostering mental resilience.
The session explored medical and psychological insights into youth drug use, providing practical guidance on identifying and managing behavioral changes. Speakers highlighted the need for open communication and emotional support to empower young people in navigating peer pressure.
The collaborative efforts of media platforms, educational institutions, and rehabilitation centers are seen as vital to achieving the campaign’s objectives, transforming homes into safe spaces that anticipate risks and protect youth.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-25 19:22:00 • By the Editorial Desk
