UAE President establishes National Anti-Narcotics Authority, appoints Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad as chairman

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a federal decree-law establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Authority.

The new Authority - established to replace the General Department of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of Interior – will be chaired by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and will serve as the central body for tackling narcotics-related issues and associated crimes in the UAE.

Key mandates of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority include formulating and advancing policies, strategies, and legislation to address narcotics issues and related crimes.

It will also combat drug trafficking by tracking and dismantling smuggling and distribution networks with competent authorities.

The Authority is tasked with overseeing treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, conducting studies on addiction, and disseminating research. It will propose and establish regulations for handling chemical precursors used for non-medical purposes.

Additionally, it will coordinate with entities to monitor medical and pharmaceutical facilities against illegal drug sales, manage a national platform to track narcotic and psychotropic substances with relevant authorities, and collaborate with countries and international organizations to exchange data on drug smuggling networks.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.

The UAE has announced the launch of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, a key body tasked with leading the country’s fight against drug-related crimes. The move underscores the nation's strategic push to strengthen public safety and build a robust, coordinated response to the growing complexity of narcotics threats.

At the core of the Authority’s mission is the disruption of drug trafficking networks. It will work closely with security and judicial bodies to track and dismantle smuggling operations, bringing offenders to justice in accordance with UAE law.

The Authority is also charged with shaping national policy on narcotics. This includes drafting new legislation, refining current regulations, and submitting proposals to the Cabinet to ensure the country’s legal framework remains aligned with global best practices. A major focus will be anticipating and countering new crime patterns linked to drug production, distribution, and abuse.

To curb the movement of narcotics across borders, the Authority will coordinate inspections and surveillance efforts at all land, sea, and air entry points. It will monitor individuals, cargo, and transport methods in cooperation with other national bodies, helping intercept illegal substances before they reach the public.

A critical part of the Authority’s mandate involves regulating the use of chemical precursors—substances that can be used in drug manufacturing. The Authority will establish licensing protocols, trading and storage rules, and customs procedures to ensure these chemicals are used lawfully and not diverted for illicit purposes.

To boost coordination between federal and local entities, the Authority will also develop and manage a centralized national database. This system will serve as a shared resource for all agencies involved in anti-narcotics efforts, improving crisis response, enabling real-time data exchange, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the UAE’s national drug policy.

The new Authority reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to one of the country’s most pressing security challenges, ensuring the UAE remains resilient in the face of evolving narcotics threats.