Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed announces new council to fight drug crime, trafficking

Sheikh Mohammed also approved the National Sports Strategy 2031

The UAE Cabinet has announced the establishment of an anti-narcotics council.

The move is part of the government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and bolstering international cooperation in the battle against substance abuse.

The decision was made during a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan.

“Drugs are the scourge of this era, the cancer of societies, and an epidemic targeting our dearest possessions, targeting youth. Fighting it is a patriotic duty for every guardian.. and every government and security official. The solidarity of governmental and educational agencies, security institutions, and families on one hand is the impenetrable bulwark against those who want evil with us and our children,” Sheikh Mohammed said via Twitter.

The anti-narcotics council will be led by Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

The council’s primary objectives are to reinforce the involvement of federal ministries and local authorities in collaboration with security institutions to combat drug-related issues.

Additionally, it will focus on early detection of drug addiction, provision of appropriate medical and psychological treatment, and rehabilitation programs to reintegrate addicts into society.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed on the urgency of addressing the drug problem, stating, “Drugs are the scourge of the age and today’s cancer that affects societies, and an epidemic that targets our young people.”

He called on all sectors of society, including parents, government officials, and security personnel, to fulfil their national duty in the fight against drugs.

Sheikh Mohammed approves National Sports Strategy 2031

Furthermore, during the Cabinet meeting, the National Sports Strategy 2031 was also approved.

The strategy aims to promote sports participation, targeting 71 percent of the population, enhance the performance of professional athletes, and identify talented individuals within schools.

“We also approved today, in the Council of Ministers, the National Strategy for Sports 2031, which aims to increase the practice of sports in society to reach 71 percent of the population, develop the performance of the professional sports elite, discover talented athletes in schools, update the methodology of school physical education, develop sports federations and develop sports law. Sports is the best alternative for our youth, and it is the shield for the health of our society, and it is the way to raise the flag of our country in many international forums,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The initiative will also focus on improving physical education in schools, developing sports federations, and refining sports legislation.

Highlighting the significance of sports, Sheikh Mohammed stated, “Sports is the best alternative for our youth, a strong shield for our society, and a way to raise our country’s flag in many international forums.”

In addition to these developments, the Cabinet meeting discussed various initiatives to encourage the use of clean energy and green technology, as well as efforts to enhance air quality.

A working group has been assigned to conduct a study on carbon emissions regulation in the country, with the aim of achieving practical approval from the Cabinet.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the importance of preserving the environment and said, “preserving the environment is everyone’s responsibility. We want an economic development that protects our environment for future generations.”