Dubai Police General Command is marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse with an awareness exhibition featuring several events over three days, beginning today under the theme "United Against the Scourge" at Dubai Hills Mall, in partnership with a number of organisations.

Brigadier Khalid bin Muwaiza, Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Department, affirmed Dubai Police's commitment to participating in all global events such as the International Day Against Drug Abuse, citing the day's vital role in protecting society from the scourge of narcotics and psychotropic substances and in spreading awareness and guidance. He extended his thanks to all working teams taking part in the events.

He said the International Day Against Drug Abuse has become a major occasion in the United Arab Emirates, during which the Ministry of Interior and all security institutions in the country unite their efforts to combat this toxic scourge, protect the nation's youth, and promote a culture of community security awareness across all segments of society.

Brigadier Dr. Abdulrahman Sharaf Al Muairi, Director of the Himaya International Centre, said the International Day Against Drug Abuse is an awareness and social occasion during which Dubai Police officers specialising in drug harm awareness meet members of the public over three days to exchange suggestions and ideas, gauge the reality and concerns of young people, listen to parents and their grievances, and draw up plans and proposals to build safe, stable families shielded from the attacks of those with ill intent — through events, lectures, and awareness workshops. He called on everyone to visit their stand and their partners at Dubai Hills Mall to leave with valuable information and advice.

He also praised the active role of the Anti-Narcotics Department's partners, who have contributed and continue to contribute to supporting awareness and rehabilitation efforts for addiction patients in preparation for their return to life as productive members of society.

Ongoing efforts

Dubai Police General Command, represented by the Security Awareness Department within the General Administration for Community Happiness, is broadcasting a new episode of the "Mutaafi" podcast today, Friday, via its official YouTube channel, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise community awareness of the dangers of drugs, the causes of falling into addiction, and the means of prevention — foremost among them family breakdown.

The episode can be followed as soon as it airs at 7:00 p.m. via the Dubai Police YouTube channel, alongside all awareness content related to the podcast through the hashtags #بودكاست_متعافي and #RecoveredPodcast on social media platforms.

The episode shines a light on one of the most significant factors affecting the lives of children and young people: "Family breakdown and its impact on delinquency and addiction." Dr. Jassim Al Marzouqi, a specialist in psychological and educational counselling, discusses the relationship between family stability and the psychological and behavioural wellbeing of children, in a rich conversation hosted by media presenter Mahra Al Marzouqi.

The episode addresses a range of important themes that touch on the reality of many families, including the role of the family as the first line of defence in protecting children.

Dr. Jassim Al Marzouqi also examines the reality of family breakdown in Arab societies and its repercussions on children, presenting real-life models and experiences that reflect the extent of the influence the family environment has on shaping a young person's character and decision-making. The episode also addresses the importance of psychological support for children and their families during treatment and recovery, and the role of unconditional love and family containment in enhancing recovery prospects and reducing the risk of relapse.