UAE

Dubai Police Confirm Student Drug Abuse Cases Remain Isolated Incidents

By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 1, 2026 · 2 min read

A police officer speaks to attentive students in a classroom during a school drug awareness presentation.

Dubai Police report that student drug use involves only isolated cases as authorities ramp up school-based awareness programs.

Dubai Police officials confirmed that incidents of drug abuse among students in the emirate remain restricted to isolated cases, rather than a widespread phenomenon. The briefing, conducted by the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, addressed concerns regarding the safety of educational environments and the effectiveness of current detection and prevention protocols. Prevention and Early Detection Authorities detailed the "Protect Your Health" initiative, a targeted awareness drive designed to educate students, parents, and school staff on the physical and behavioral indicators of substance use. Data from the Hemaya International Centre indicates that early intervention remains the primary tool for maintaining low incident rates across Dubai’s private and public schools. The department coordinates directly with school administrations to provide training for counselors on identifying high-risk behavior before it escalates. The Dubai Police emphasize that existing legal frameworks prioritize rehabilitation for minors. Under UAE law, students who voluntarily seek help or are reported by their families for addiction are exempted from criminal legal action, provided they commit to a…