Dubai: Drugs awareness workshops held in Ramadan tents
Officials from police, other departments speak to community members gathering for iftar
Dubai: Experts from various government departments, led by Dubai Police, are raising awareness about the dangers of drugs during workshops held in Ramadan tents.
Ramadan tents, which are usually set up next to mosques during the holy month, see scores of worshippers gather to have iftar, the sunset meal taken to end the day’s fast.
This Ramadan, the Awareness and Rehabilitation Section at the International Hemaya Centre of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police joined forces with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and the General Department of Community Happiness at Dubai Police to deliver informative workshops for fasting individuals. These workshops focused on drug-related issues, associated risks, and reporting procedures.
The workshops were held at various Ramadan Iftar tents, including the Rashid bin Mohammed Masjid tent in Al Hudaiba area, the Al Shuhada Masjid tent in Al Muhaisnah area, and Masjid Al Rwashed tent in Al Ttay area. The target audience for these workshops was over 2,000 people.
Colonel Dr Abdulrahman Sharaf Al Maamari, director of the International Hemaya Centre, said the workshops are part of the ongoing collaborative efforts between Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
He added that the workshops provide an ideal platform to raise awareness among blue-collar workers, providing informative messages in both English and Urdu. The explained that the workshops cover security and awareness guidelines regarding the dangers of drugs and their social, security, and behavioural impacts, as well as Article 89 of the UAE Anti-Narcotics Law.
“These workshops emphasise the importance of open communication channels to foster trust between the police and the community, including the 901 call centre,” Col Dr Al Maamari said.
Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Saif Mohammed Al Khor, Acting Head of the Awareness and Rehabilitation Section, said the Section collaborates with partners to organise field visits and deliver informative workshops and lectures, addressing the harmful effects of drugs and their psychological and social impact on individuals and society.
“These initiatives target labour communities, recognising their significance due to their diverse cultures and languages,” he added.