Abu dhabi: The activities of the Drug Prevention Forum (2025) concluded today on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The forum, organised by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Council and the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police, operated under the slogan "A Conscious Family... A Safe Society." It saw active participation from numerous community members, especially youth and parents.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum, which ran from 19 June for 11 days, brought together specialists and experts from both government and private sectors focusing on prevention and mental health. Participants included religious scholars, national service recruits, university students, and social media influencers. A total of 320 discussion sessions were held, tackling issues of community prevention and family cohesion, accompanied by 920 counseling sessions covering psychological, social, and family support. Additionally, 33 awareness podcast episodes were created, and 8,800 certificates of participation were issued.
The forum featured several interactive activities and innovative programs, including the Drug Prevention Council and the Future Leaders Council. It emphasized the importance of strengthening family roles in prevention, providing guidance to families and youth, and promoting effective family communication. Other key topics included decision-making skills, mental health support, and preventive behavior, with a focus on the social environment's role in shaping individual behavior.
The event served as a comprehensive national platform, uniting various government agencies and community institutions in the fight against drug abuse. Notable initiatives included the "Mukafih" platform by the Ministry of Interior, designed to raise awareness of drug abuse dangers, detect early addiction cases, and offer a toll-free number (80044) for reporting crimes and combating addiction.
The Abu Dhabi Police General Command presented the "Opportunity of Hope" platform, offering addicts a confidential path to treatment and exemption from punishment, aiding in their recovery and reintegration as productive society members. The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi showcased the "Halfway Homes" model, supporting recovering addicts' societal reintegration.
Active participation from entities such as the UAE Media Council, the Cybersecurity Council, the Public Prosecution, the UAE's police general commands, the National Rehabilitation Centre, the Family Development Foundation, and the Khalifa Empowerment Programme (Aqdar) enriched the forum. These entities engaged in discussions on prevention, rehabilitation, and community awareness. The forum also featured performances by police dogs from the Security Inspection Department, musical acts by the Abu Dhabi Police Military Band, and interactive competitions. Visitors explored virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies to simulate drug use scenarios and identify associated physical and behavioral signs.