Dr. Hatem Fouad Ali, the regional representative for the Gulf region at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates stands as a global leader in combating drug-related issues and fostering prevention efforts.
In remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Drug Prevention Forum 2025, which commenced yesterday in Abu Dhabi, he highlighted that the UN Office is working in strategic partnership with the UAE to bolster initiatives targeting drug trafficking and social wellness.
He expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the “Drug Prevention Forum,” themed “Awareness in Families, Safety in Communities,” which coincides with the observance of World Drug Day this month. He emphasized that this event is a significant occasion to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to showcase national efforts in prevention, international cooperation, and rehabilitation.
He noted the UAE’s commitment to collaborate closely with the UN office to address the challenges posed by drug abuse, implementing numerous innovative initiatives that encompass prevention, community awareness, and enabling society to confront this issue while also enhancing international cooperation.
Ali asserted that the UAE adopts a forward-thinking approach in its drug control strategies, mentioning that the fruitful partnership between the two entities has surpassed a decade. He expressed pride in the UAE’s ability to host this significant event, coinciding with the “Year of Community.”
He emphasized that the community-oriented nature of this event has played a crucial role in highlighting the contributions of various societal sectors in addressing drug-related challenges.