DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) – The UAE has launched a nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign aimed at strengthening prevention efforts and protecting young people from the growing threat of narcotics.
The initiative, titled “United as One to Eradicate the Threat,” was announced by the National Drug Enforcement Authority in partnership with the UAE Government Media Office during an event at Creators HQ in Dubai to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
The launch was attended by senior government officials, security leaders, education specialists, media representatives and digital content creators.
Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Authority, said the UAE’s anti-drug strategy is built on prevention, public awareness, legislation, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation.
He emphasized that combating drugs requires the participation of families, schools, institutions and the wider community.
According to Sheikh Zayed, the campaign is based on three core pillars: strengthening the role of families as the first line of protection for children, empowering young people to make informed decisions and reject harmful influences, and enhancing the role of schools in promoting awareness and positive values.
He warned that drug traffickers are increasingly using sophisticated methods, including social media platforms and online networks, to target young people, making early prevention and public awareness more important than ever.
As part of the initiative, the authority announced the launch of official social media accounts to provide reliable information, engage directly with the public and strengthen community cooperation in addressing drug-related threats.
The authority also highlighted its Hosn service, a confidential support platform that allows individuals to seek advice, report concerns and access treatment and rehabilitation services. Officials said the service guarantees privacy and provides support without criminal penalties for those seeking help.
During the event, Major Fahad Abdullah Haikal, spokesperson for the National Drug Enforcement Authority, cited findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s World Drug Report 2025, which estimated that more than 316 million people worldwide use drugs, representing approximately six percent of the global working-age population.
Haikal said the figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge facing governments worldwide and underscored the importance of combining security measures with prevention, education and community engagement.
The campaign will feature a wide-ranging public awareness program designed to reach younger audiences through messaging tailored to their interests and communication habits.
Officials said the initiative aims to encourage informed decision-making, strengthen family dialogue and increase awareness of available support services.
The launch event also introduced the authority’s new visual identity and included a panel discussion featuring experts from law enforcement, healthcare and education sectors.
The panel examined the role of families, schools and rehabilitation services in preventing drug abuse and supporting at-risk youth.