Father laments burial of child after fatal drug overdose in UAE

Father laments burial of child after fatal drug overdose in UAE

In a bold move to address the rising issue of drug addiction and overdose in the UAE, Dubai Police have launched a new initiative titled 'Recovered'. This series, part of a wider effort by the force to use digital storytelling and real testimonies, aims to reach residents and families, carrying a powerful message to stay alert, stay involved, and protect children from drugs and harmful company.

The series, hosted by Mahra Al Marzouqi, sheds light on the devastating impacts of drug addiction on families in the UAE. From psychological distress and disruption of family stability to social challenges, drug abuse is recognized as a serious social issue with rising cases reflected in thousands of related offences reported yearly. Families often face emotional trauma, financial hardship, and social stigma due to addiction-related behaviours or loss from overdose.

Dr. Colonel Saud Al Rumaithi, Deputy Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, described the project as a human-centered effort to highlight both the tragic outcomes of drug use and the possibility of recovery. The series features the heart-wrenching story of Abu Omar, a grieving father in the UAE, who speaks publicly for the first time about losing his son to a drug overdose.

The UAE's approach to addressing these issues is multi-layered. Preventive measures involve strong government and community initiatives focusing on awareness and family engagement. The Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the Anti-Narcotics Council and Abu Dhabi Police, regularly conducts forums such as the 2025 Drug Prevention Forum, emphasizing the pivotal role families play in protecting members from drug abuse. The UAE’s Family Protection Policy also supports safeguarding family members from various forms of abuse, indirectly helping in mitigating the negative familial consequences of addiction by strengthening family ties and social protection mechanisms.

Treatment options in the UAE include government-supported rehabilitation and counseling services provided through various healthcare and social welfare programs. The Ministry of Community Empowerment offers support programs aimed at strengthening families economically and socially, which may complement treatment by stabilizing affected households. Non-governmental family counseling centers are also licensed and can provide specialized advice and psychological support for affected families.

Moreover, international collaborations to combat drug trafficking imply that prevention and treatment efforts are part of a comprehensive national strategy addressing supply and demand. Article 89 of the Federal Decree Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances allows individuals struggling with addiction to seek treatment without facing legal action, further emphasizing the UAE's commitment to helping those in need.

Dubai Police have launched several anti-drugs campaigns and programs targeting students, parents, workers, and delivery drivers to raise awareness about narcotics and online threats. This year, their awareness efforts have expanded to four major exhibitions instead of one, reaching 270,000 school students and more than 20,000 university students.

The 'Recovered' videocast will be available on Dubai Police's official YouTube channel and across social media platforms. Waad Barakat, a Special Correspondent covering security topics, will be part of this initiative, bringing her keen eye for human interest stories and her unique Gen Z-inspired content to the series. This initiative is part of Dubai Police's ongoing commitment to use innovative media tools to strengthen public awareness.

1. Mahra Al Marzouqi hosts 'Recovered,' a digital series that spotlights the impact of drug addiction on UAE families, addressing psychological distress, family disruption, social challenges, and emotional trauma.
2. The UAE's approach to addressing drug addiction is multi-faceted, involving preventive measures like government and community initiatives, awareness campaigns, and family engagement.
3. Treatment options in the UAE consist of government-supported rehabilitation and counseling services, as well as support programs offered by the Ministry of Community Empowerment to strengthen families economically and socially.
4. International collaborations are in place to combat drug trafficking, making prevention and treatment efforts part of a larger national strategy addressing both supply and demand.
5. Waad Barakat, a Special Correspondent, brings her Gen Z-inspired content to 'Recovered,' a Dubai Police initiative that aims to strengthen public awareness through innovative media tools, available on their official YouTube channel and social media platforms.

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