UAE launched new strategy to combat drug abuse, trafficking, announces Sheikh Mohammed

The UAE Cabinet has adopted a comprehensive national strategy aimed at combating drug-related issues, unveiled during the government’s annual meetings in Abu Dhabi on Monday, November 4. This strategy includes measures such as strengthening deterrents against drug dealers and promoters locally and internationally, establishing rehabilitation and correctional centers and raising community awareness to tackle the issue effectively.

Announcing the initiative, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who presided over the meeting, said, "Drugs are a scourge, a loss, an addiction... an illusion and a societal cancer that everyone must join together to fight”.

During the same meeting, the Cabinet reviewed updates on the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, revealing a significant increase in home ownership among UAE citizens. The proportion of citizens owning homes has risen from 76 percent to 91 percent in the last five years. The number of housing applications has also dropped, from 13,000 to just 650 and the time required for housing allocation has been reduced from four years to one year. To date, more than 90,000 citizens have benefited from the programme, backed by a budget of Dh60 billion.

Additionally, the UAE Cabinet ratified 22 international agreements with 17 countries, aimed at enhancing partnerships in economic, trade, legal, judicial and educational sectors.

"We have signed MoUs on energy, competitiveness, and research with 17 nations. The UAE continues to build stronger ties with countries across the world as part of our growing international engagement”, said Sheikh Mohammed.

The annual meetings, attended by 500 key officials, are crucial for fostering collaboration across federal and local authorities, shaping the UAE's strategic priorities and initiatives.