Dubai: How Hemaya centre helps protect youth from drug dangers

Dubai: The Hemaya International Center, part of Dubai Police’s General Department of Anti-Narcotics, plays a vital role in protecting the community from the dangers of drugs. Through educational programmes and partnerships with government and private organisations, the centre works tirelessly to raise awareness and build a safer society.

As one of Dubai Police’s most important outreach platforms, the centre focuses on reaching all segments of society with a comprehensive anti-drug awareness strategy.

Hemaya Center leads mass awareness drive

Major General Eid bin Thani, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, stressed that Dubai Police is deeply committed to educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse. He explained that the fight against drugs goes beyond arrests and law enforcement – it requires a team effort from the entire community.

“We believe that spreading awareness and providing education are key to protecting our society from drugs,” he said.
“Our awareness campaigns target all groups, especially young people and families. We work closely with partners to highlight the health, mental, social, and financial risks of drug abuse and to give people the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

He added that the Hemaya International Center works with schools, healthcare providers, and community organisations to offer programmes that prevent drug use before it starts. Families, he said, play a critical role in protecting children from this threat.

Dubai Police participates in exhibitions and public events, sharing prevention tips, support services and treatment options. They offer confidential channels where the public can report information or ask for help.

From schools to malls, educating families, communities

Brigadier Dr Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al Maamari, Director of the Hemaya International Center, noted that a major awareness campaign organised last year by the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police at Dubai Hills Mall reached more than 9 million people. The 10-day campaign, held during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, included, 563 dialogue sessions and workshops, 630 counselling sessions, 95 social media posts, 210 public suggestions and ideas, and 48 awareness competitions.

The campaign sparked a big response on social media, with 3,231 people sharing the messages.
In another campaign at Dubai Mall, Dubai Police reached more than 13 million people through text messages. Over 76,000 people visited the awareness platform, and 9,520 joined prize draws and raffles.

Article 89 gives drug users a chance at rehab

One of the campaign’s key messages was Article 89 of the UAE’s Anti-Narcotics Law. This law gives drug users the chance to ask for treatment without facing legal charges. It also allows family members to request treatment for their loved ones. This article is a lifeline – it opens the door for those struggling with addiction to receive help, recover, and return to a healthy life in society. The campaigns featured seminars, consultations, interactive workshops, and musical performances.

In cooperation with the Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation, Dubai Police held another successful awareness platform during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The campaign benefited 14,406 people, sent 1.5 million awareness text messages, and attracted 3,480 participants to prize draws and raffles.

This campaign focused on Article 89, encouraging those battling addiction to seek help without fear of punishment. The programme offered seminars, personal consultations, interactive workshops, and musical shows to deliver its message.