The Drug Prevention Forum 2025 concluded on Al Maryah Island on Monday, marking the end of an 11-day programme focused on awareness, prevention, and family engagement. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Council and the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police under the theme “A Conscious Family… A Safe Society.”
The forum, which began on June 19, drew wide participation from community members, with a strong presence of youth and parents. It brought together specialists and experts from government and private agencies working in prevention, mental health, and family support, along with religious scholars, national service recruits, university students, and social media influencers.
Over the course of the event, a total of 320 discussion sessions were conducted on issues related to community prevention and family cohesion. In addition, 920 counselling sessions covering psychological, social, and family support were delivered by qualified specialists. The forum also produced 33 awareness-focused podcast episodes and issued 8,800 participation certificates.
The programme featured several interactive initiatives, including the Drug Prevention Council, the Future Leaders Council, counselling clinics, discussion forums, and a dedicated prevention podcast. Key themes included strengthening the role of the family in prevention, improving communication within families, supporting youth decision-making, promoting mental health, and encouraging preventive behaviour. Emphasis was also placed on the influence of the social environment in shaping individual behaviour.
The forum served as a national platform bringing together government agencies and community institutions involved in combating drug abuse. Among the participating initiatives was the Ministry of Interior’s “Mukafih” platform, which focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, early detection of addiction cases, crime reporting, and addiction support through its toll-free helpline (80044).
The Abu Dhabi Police General Command participated through the “Opportunity of Hope” platform, which allows individuals struggling with addiction to seek treatment confidentially and without legal penalty, supporting their recovery and reintegration into society. The Department of Community Development showcased the “Halfway Homes” initiative as a model for supporting recovering addicts during their transition back into the community.
Other participating entities included the UAE Media Council, the Cybersecurity Council, the Public Prosecution, police general commands across the UAE, the National Rehabilitation Centre, the Family Development Foundation, and the Khalifa Empowerment Programme (Aqdar). These bodies contributed to discussions on prevention, rehabilitation, and public awareness.
The forum also featured police dog demonstrations, musical performances by the Abu Dhabi Police Military Band, interactive competitions, and experiential activities using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to simulate drug use and highlight associated physical and behavioural risks.
Leave a Reply