In Dubai, UAE, on February 7, 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, led the inaugural meeting of the UAE Anti-Narcotic Council. This significant event brought together government officials, representatives, and concerned partners to address the pressing issue of drug abuse and trafficking within the nation.
During the session, which was graced by Sheikh Saif’s presence, the council ratified the activation of a comprehensive national strategic plan covering the years 2024 to 2026. This plan encompasses a wide array of 51 performance indicators meticulously designed to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of anti-narcotic measures across the country.
The initiatives put forth by various national committees under the council’s purview underscore the collective commitment to intensifying efforts against the scourge of narcotics. These efforts span ministries, federal agencies, and local bodies, reflecting a unified approach to combatting drug-related challenges in the UAE.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the endorsement of the Charter of National Integration in the fight against drugs. This charter aligns with the UAE government’s integrative institutional doctrine, emphasizing collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to tackle the multifaceted dimensions of drug abuse and trafficking.
Discussions also revolved around the anti-drug incentive system, recognizing its pivotal role in driving innovation and competitiveness towards building safer and healthier societies. The acknowledgment of the importance of incentives underscores a strategic shift towards proactive measures in curbing drug-related activities.
Among the distinguished attendees were Major General Hamdan Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Commander of the National Guard; Mohammed Salim Al-Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention; Aisha Mohamed Ahmed Belharfia, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation Affairs; Sheikha Khuloud Saqr Al-Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Control Sector at the Ministry of Education; Nasser Ismail Murad, Assistant Undersecretary of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Community Development; Brigadier Said Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the Federal Narcotics Control; Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Brigadier General Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Deputy Director General of the Federal Drug Control at the Ministry of Interior; Engineer Sulaiman Salem Al Kaabi, Executive Director at the Emirates Foundation for School Education; Dr. Nasser Al Khatri from the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE government; Ahmed Saeed Al Qamzi, Assistant Governor of the UAE Central Bank for Banking Supervision and Insurance; Matar Humaid Al Neyadi, Supreme Council for National Security; Noha Mohammed Al Harmoudi, Director of the National Fund for Social Responsibility; Judge Ahmed Saeed Al Naqbi from the Ministry of Justice; Sultan Ibrahim Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi; Major Hamid Abdul Rahman Al Shehhi; and Major Mohammed Sultan Al Shamsi from the Ministry of Interior.
The comprehensive attendance of high-ranking officials from various sectors underscores the collective resolve to address the complex challenges posed by narcotics and underscores the importance attached to this critical issue in the UAE’s national agenda.