Dubai Police's Hemaya International Centre: A pivotal role in combatting scourge of drugs
24 June 2025 15:30
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The Hemaya International Centre in the General Department for Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police plays a vital role in raising awareness and safeguarding the community from drug dangers through educational initiatives and partnerships with various government and private entities.As one of Dubai Police's key outreach arms, the centre addresses drug-related issues across all segments of society, implementing a comprehensive strategy to foster awareness within the community.Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, His Excellency Major General Eid bin Thani, reaffirmed Dubai Police's commitment to educating the public about the risks of drugs and prevention strategies. He highlighted that combating drug abuse involves not only legal and security measures but also requires coordinated efforts within a collaborative framework that engages all members of society.He stated, "We believe that awareness and education are vital in safeguarding the community from the dangers of drugs. To this end, law enforcement agencies are implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting all societal segments, including youth and families. Through these initiatives, in collaboration with our partners, we aim to raise awareness about the health, psychological, social, and economic impact of drug use, equipping individuals with the knowledge necessary to prevent addiction."Furthermore, Maj. Gen. Eid bin Thani emphasised that the General Department, represented by the Hemaya International Centre, collaborates closely with educational, health, and social institutions to deliver integrated preventive and awareness programs.He highlighted the crucial role families play in protecting children from drug use.'As part of these efforts, Dubai Police actively participates in exhibitions and events with partners to promote prevention strategies, awareness initiatives, treatment programmes, and community support services. In addition, confidential channels are available for the public to communicate with Dubai Police, allowing them to share information and feedback,' he continued.
Nine Million People Director of the Hemaya International Centre, Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al Maamari, indicated that the awareness campaign organised last year by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Dubai Police at Dubai Hills Mall for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking lasted 10 days and benefited over nine million people through various awareness channels. "The initiative resulted in 563 dialogue sessions and workshops, 630 counselling sessions, and 95 engaging social media posts, generating 210 suggestions and ideas, along with 48 awareness competitions," he added.Brig. Al Maamari also noted that during the event, 3,231 social media users shared awareness messages, and the campaign received coverage in 174 newspapers and magazines, along with 120 media materials prepared.
13 Million Beneficiaries Brig. Al Maamari also explained that the awareness campaign organised by Dubai Police at Dubai Mall, in line with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, lasted three days and successfully sent numerous awareness text messages to the public, reaching over 13 million people.'In total, 76,160 individuals benefited from the awareness platform, and 9,520 participants took part in raffles and prize draws,' he added.The campaign also highlighted Article 89 of the UAE Law on Combating Drug Trafficking and Psychotropic Substances, which stipulates that individuals who voluntarily seek help for addiction must receive treatment support without legal repercussions. This article also empowers first- and second-degree relatives to request treatment on behalf of the user, thereby enhancing the family's role in early intervention and support. Additionally, it allows users access to specialised treatment centres, facilitating their reintegration into society and supporting their recovery journey toward a healthier, everyday life. Additionally, the campaign featured seminars, consultations, interactive workshops, and musical performances.
14K Beneficiaries Meanwhile, the Dubai Police in cooperation with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation organised awareness platform, as a part of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which successfully benefited 14,406 beneficiaries, as well as 1.5 million awareness text messages were sent to the public, and 3,480 participants engaged in raffles and prize draws.
Additionally, the campaign highlighted Article 89 of the UAE Law on Combating Drug Trafficking and Psychotropic Substances, and featured various activities, including seminars, consultations, interactive workshops, and musical performances.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
NRC leads UAE-wide anti-drug efforts highlighting prevention, community engagement
26 June 2025 00:48 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)Hailed worldwide for its progressive stance to drug-related issues, the UAE has long been committed to combating substance abuse through wide-reaching, community-focused initiatives alongside an advanced policing and security apparatus. Leading the country's efforts on addiction prevention and treatment is the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi. For the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), marked annually on June 26, the NRC has rolled out a series of awareness initiatives nationwide, aiming to drive home the idea of prevention as being the most impactful way to combat drug abuse. Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, CEO of NRC, emphasised the day's significance as both a symbolic reminder and a strategic call to action. 'World Drug Day serves as a powerful reminder of the complex challenges surrounding addiction and the shared responsibility to address them through compassion, education, and evidence-based action,' Alketbi told Aletihad ahead of the occasion. 'At the NRC, this day underscores our commitment to both individuals and communities impacted by substance use. While addiction is real, so is recovery and no one should have to face it alone.'Among the flagship initiatives this year is the Drug Prevention Forum at Galleria Mall, as well as a collaboration with ADNOC, which has facilitated the display of anti-drug messages at 100 fuel stations across the country. Moreover, digital billboards at major hubs like Al Qana are reinforcing these messages, reaching thousands of residents and visitors every day.'The UAE's approach is a model of unity and shared responsibility,' said Alketbi. 'Prevention becomes most effective when it is community-driven, relevant, and inclusive; transforming awareness into meaningful action.' Supporting Long-term Healing Beyond awareness, the UAE continues to evolve in its handling of addiction and rehabilitation. There is a notable shift in public perception, with more families actively seeking help and engaging in recovery processes, Alketbi said. 'The emphasis is increasingly on holistic, family-inclusive care that reduces stigma and supports long-term healing,' he noted.'There is growing public awareness, and more individuals and families are actively engaging in recovery processes.'The NRC's rehabilitation model remains firmly rooted in evidence-based international 2024 alone, the organisation conducted over 107 awareness activities, targeting both public and private sectors under the national campaign titled 'From Prevention to Recovery.'The centre has also developed specialised training programmes for educators, enabling early detection of substance use among students. More than 60 teachers have been trained so far in 2025, with a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure continued impact.A growing area of focus for the NRC is addressing co-occurring mental health issues, especially among young people. Through digital outreach, community workshops, and life-skills programmes, the centre is hoping to empower individuals to make healthier choices and resist substance use.'Addiction is not just a health issue; it's a societal challenge that requires coordinated and compassionate solutions,' said Alketbi. 'World Drug Day helps us recommit to that vision, not just for today, but every day.'
Al Etihad
21 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City launches dedicated Travel Health Clinic
25 June 2025 14:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, Wednesday announced the launch of its new Travel Health Clinic. In a statement, SSMC said that this specialised clinic will address the evolving health needs of travellers – either departing from or arriving in the UAE – and thereby protect their well-being and the community's pre-travel consultations offered by SSMC's Travel Health Clinic can significantly reduce travel-associated health risks. Operationally supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of infectious disease doctors, travel health nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory staff, the clinic provides a comprehensive suite of pre- and post-travel medical services, designed to prevent and manage travel-related health Zahir Babiker, interim division chair of tropical and infectious diseases, and consultant at SSMC, said: 'At SSMC, we are committed to advancing healthcare excellence in the region. The launch of our dedicated Travel Health Clinic reflects our leadership in tropical and travel medicine, providing expert, comprehensive support to ensure individuals are well-prepared, protected, and confident when they travel, giving them peace of mind both during their journey and upon their return.'Services provided by the Travel Health Clinic include pre-travel consultations and offering evidence-based, destination-specific health advice tailored to individual health profiles and itineraries. The clinic also administers essential immunisations for international travel, including yellow fever and meningococcal disease – based on destination-specific risk measures include protection against infectious diseases such as malaria and non-infectious conditions such as altitude sickness. Post-travel evaluations are also a core offering, involving expert clinical assessment and management of febrile illnesses or specific exposure concerns. In addition, the clinic facilitates certified medical fitness assessments often required by UAE-based foreign clinic serves the full spectrum of international travellers, and individuals requiring official embassy-mandated medical certifications. To further support safe and well-prepared travel, SSMC is working closely with corporate partners, embassies, and insurance providers. The clinic is conveniently located within the Outpatient Department of SSMC. To book your travel consultation, a WhatsApp contact number is available, along with the Travel Health Clinic's website, the SEHA App, or – if in the UAE – by calling 800 7762. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Dubai Police's Hemaya International Centre: A pivotal role in combatting scourge of drugs
24 June 2025 15:30 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The Hemaya International Centre in the General Department for Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police plays a vital role in raising awareness and safeguarding the community from drug dangers through educational initiatives and partnerships with various government and private one of Dubai Police's key outreach arms, the centre addresses drug-related issues across all segments of society, implementing a comprehensive strategy to foster awareness within the of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, His Excellency Major General Eid bin Thani, reaffirmed Dubai Police's commitment to educating the public about the risks of drugs and prevention strategies. He highlighted that combating drug abuse involves not only legal and security measures but also requires coordinated efforts within a collaborative framework that engages all members of stated, "We believe that awareness and education are vital in safeguarding the community from the dangers of drugs. To this end, law enforcement agencies are implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting all societal segments, including youth and families. Through these initiatives, in collaboration with our partners, we aim to raise awareness about the health, psychological, social, and economic impact of drug use, equipping individuals with the knowledge necessary to prevent addiction."Furthermore, Maj. Gen. Eid bin Thani emphasised that the General Department, represented by the Hemaya International Centre, collaborates closely with educational, health, and social institutions to deliver integrated preventive and awareness highlighted the crucial role families play in protecting children from drug use.'As part of these efforts, Dubai Police actively participates in exhibitions and events with partners to promote prevention strategies, awareness initiatives, treatment programmes, and community support services. In addition, confidential channels are available for the public to communicate with Dubai Police, allowing them to share information and feedback,' he continued. Nine Million People Director of the Hemaya International Centre, Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al Maamari, indicated that the awareness campaign organised last year by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Dubai Police at Dubai Hills Mall for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking lasted 10 days and benefited over nine million people through various awareness channels. "The initiative resulted in 563 dialogue sessions and workshops, 630 counselling sessions, and 95 engaging social media posts, generating 210 suggestions and ideas, along with 48 awareness competitions," he Al Maamari also noted that during the event, 3,231 social media users shared awareness messages, and the campaign received coverage in 174 newspapers and magazines, along with 120 media materials prepared. 13 Million Beneficiaries Brig. Al Maamari also explained that the awareness campaign organised by Dubai Police at Dubai Mall, in line with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, lasted three days and successfully sent numerous awareness text messages to the public, reaching over 13 million people.'In total, 76,160 individuals benefited from the awareness platform, and 9,520 participants took part in raffles and prize draws,' he campaign also highlighted Article 89 of the UAE Law on Combating Drug Trafficking and Psychotropic Substances, which stipulates that individuals who voluntarily seek help for addiction must receive treatment support without legal repercussions. This article also empowers first- and second-degree relatives to request treatment on behalf of the user, thereby enhancing the family's role in early intervention and support. Additionally, it allows users access to specialised treatment centres, facilitating their reintegration into society and supporting their recovery journey toward a healthier, everyday life. Additionally, the campaign featured seminars, consultations, interactive workshops, and musical performances. 14K Beneficiaries Meanwhile, the Dubai Police in cooperation with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation organised awareness platform, as a part of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which successfully benefited 14,406 beneficiaries, as well as 1.5 million awareness text messages were sent to the public, and 3,480 participants engaged in raffles and prize draws. Additionally, the campaign highlighted Article 89 of the UAE Law on Combating Drug Trafficking and Psychotropic Substances, and featured various activities, including seminars, consultations, interactive workshops, and musical performances.
