Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign Rolls Out Across the UAE

A nationwide anti-drug campaign has been introduced across the UAE ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26th, placing families, schools and young people at the centre of prevention efforts.
Held under the theme 'United as One to Eradicate the Threat', the campaign is built around three pillars: strengthening the role of families as the first line of defence, empowering young people through awareness and informed decision-making, and reinforcing schools as key partners in shaping values and behaviour.
The initiative forms part of a broader national framework that combines prevention, public awareness and legislation with law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation support. A confidential toll-free helpline has also been made available to provide assistance.
The campaign follows the establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority in August 2025, which has since been rebranded as the National Drug Enforcement Authority to coordinate prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and treatment efforts under a single framework. The authority also unveiled a new identity and launched its official social media platforms.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report 2025, an estimated 316 million people—around 6% of the global population aged between 15 and 64—used drugs in 2023.
Officials said rehabilitation treatment can cost the government up to AED 70,000 per person, with the state covering expenses not paid by insurance.