UAE launches nationwide anti-drugs campaign

The UAE's National Drugs Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, launched a nationwide anti-drugs awareness campaign on Wednesday, aimed at protecting communities from the dangers of drug abuse and strengthening prevention efforts across the UAE.

The campaign, under the slogan "United as One to Eradicate the Threat", was unveiled at Dubai's Creators HQ by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Authority, ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, and Thursday's World Drugs Day.

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"This campaign is based on three important pillars. The first is the family as the first line of defence, the second is young people, and the third is the school and educational system," spokesperson Major Fahad Abdullah Haikal told the ARN News Centre.

The initiative is particularly focused on protecting young people in an increasingly digital world, warning that drug traffickers are using social media platforms, gaming applications and fake online accounts to target and manipulate youth.

The campaign will see government entities, educational institutions, media organisations, private-sector partners and content creators work together to spread awareness messages and promote early intervention.

Haikal told the ARN News Centre the initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to protecting society from the threat of drugs. Haikal said the initiative is designed to reach all sections of society.

"We are targeting young people - we are not excluding anyone - even children under the age of 12, as well as parents.”

The Authority is also encouraging anyone seeking help to use the confidential Hosn hotline on 80044, which provides reporting, consultation, treatment and rehabilitation support in complete privacy.

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad stressed the fight against drugs is a shared national responsibility and that awareness, strong families and early intervention remain the most effective tools in protecting future generations.

The launch comes as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report 2025 estimates that more than 316 million people worldwide aged between 15-64 used drugs (excluding alcohol and tobacco) in 2023 - that's six per cent of the global population.

Officials say the strongest defence against drugs remains awareness, education and family dialogue, warning that when it comes to drugs the first time might be the last.