United Arab Emirates Country Profile

Flag of United Arab Emirates Country Profile

Drug policy

  • The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for recreational use of drugs and criminalises production, import, export, transport, buying, selling, possessing, storing of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Treatment and Recovery Services

  • There are several rehabilitation centres across UAE and if addicts present themselves to the police or the centres they will be exempt from criminal prosecution.
  • Most UAE nationals arrested on drug charges are placed on a two-year treatment programme.
  • As part of the treatment programme family counselling and therapy is often offered.

Prevention Services

  • UAE has strict security at the countries air and sea ports to prevent drug trafficking.
  • There are frequent educational campaigns such as ‘Drug Awareness Week’ and 'yes to sports no to drugs' particularly targeting youths.
  • Harsh penalties for trafficking