In a historic step to strengthen its national drug control strategy, the UAE has established a new federal body, National Anti-Nashi Authority through a decree-law issued by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The initiative consolves health-focused reactions to the country’s legal, enforcement and drugs, with the International Society of Addition Medicine (ISAM), it is an important step towards combating drug abuse local and globally.
A new federal authority with extended powers
Under a federal decree-law released on August 3, 2025, the UAE officially established the authority of anti-national drugs, which was previously replaced by the general department of drugs kept within the Ministry of Internal. This newly formed body operates as an independent federal unit under the UAE cabinet and is assigned to lead the national agenda to combat drugs and psychotropic substances. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan has been appointed as the Chairman of the Authority, a decision that reflects the leadership of the leadership to ensure the new body that anchor has been anchored in the competent governance. The mandate of the authority consists of a detailed spectrum:
- Policy and Strategy: Preparation, refinement and execution of national policies and laws on anti -drug efforts.
- Coordination: To unite the reactions of the federal and local government, and cooperate with judicial and law enforcement agencies.
- Operational Oversite: Monitoring and decomposing drug trafficking and distribution networks.
- Prevention: To detect and prevent the movement of illegal substances and maintain exit points (land, air, sea).
By centralizing the authority and resources, the purpose of the UAE is to improve the efficiency, accountability and legal stability of their drug operations.
Monitoring, Enforcement and Regulatory Control
The authority has been provided extensive powers to estimate, detect and respond to the drug related activities:
- Monitoring and Inspection: Working with national security and customs institutions to inspect individuals, goods and vehicles crossing UAE borders.
- Targeting Drug Supply Chain: Monitor suspected activities and operate to disrupt smuggling and delivery networks.
- Chemical precursor regulation: Proposing and implementing rules related to “chemical pioneers” – substances that can be used to manufacture drugs. It also includes:
- Licensing systems
- Trade and storage requirements
- Customs withdrawal protocol
These proposals will be submitted to the cabinet for final approval.
The authority’s regulatory role extends to ensure that all processes and standard align with international best practices, while also in line with the specific legal and safety environment of the UAE.
National database and integrated coordination
For the convenience of uninterrupted cooperation in government institutions, the authority of National Anti-Nashee products will also develop and maintain a centralized national database. This data will be accessible to all federal and local bodies engaged in hub drug control efforts. The objective of the database is three times:
- Crisis reaction: Rapid and coordinated action during emergency conditions related to drugs.
- information sharing: Better communication between enforcement and judicial agencies.
- Policy Development: Data-informed national strategies and monitoring systems.
The purpose of this centralization is to eliminate the repetition of efforts, enabling close operational intervals and timely intervention.
Global recognition and support by ISAM
The Authority of newly established national anti-nashi substances has received strong international support, especially from the International Society of Ediction Medicine (ISAM), a global body consisting of a global body that includes addictive medical professionals from more than 93 countries. Established in 1998, ISAM works to carry forward the treatment of matter usage disorders through research, education and global cooperation.In an official statement, Isam described UAE’s decree-law as a “important and effective tool”, which appreciates it for increasing both the scope and structure of the country’s anti-attempt efforts. The organization highlighted the widespread structure of the authority, which integrates prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement, law and international coordination.Dr. Hamad Al Gaffrey, the chairman of Isam and a board member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), said that the authority’s mandate reflects a fully integrated strategy, a one that addresses the supply and demand sides of the drug control, supports community-based prevention, strengthens the legal structure, strengthens the legal structure, and the cross-borne training.
