DUBAI: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the 14th edition of ‘Hemaya International Forum’ will be held on the 28th and 29th of April, 2019 at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre in Dubai. Running under the theme ‘Learn to Protect’, the 2-day pivotal event, organized by Dubai Police and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding in partnership with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aims to focus its attention on educating the community about the threats of drug abuse while also empowering individuals with the knowledge to combat and prevent drug addiction.
This was announced during a press conference held earlier today at the Dubai Police officers club in the presence of His Excellency Major-General Expert Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police for Criminal Investigation, Colonel Khalid Ali bin Muwaiza, Deputy Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, Colonel Abdullah Matar Al Khayat, Manager of Hemaya International Center, Lt. Colonel Dr. Abdulrahman Sharaf Al Maamari and Deputy Manager of Hemaya International Center and Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of INDEX Holding among other senior officials representing Dubai Police and members.
During the Press Conference, H.E. Major General Expert Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander of Criminal Investigation Department at Dubai Police and Vice Chairman of Hemaya Higher Committee, said, “Drugs and psychotropic substances have become one of the biggest problems that face societies and countries these days, whether in regards to combating illegal drug trade or preventive and therapeutic control. Additionally, the matter has become too complicated to deal with in terms of security, legislation, health and social aspects. It goes without saying that the academic institutions are the most important entities in this regard as they link all institutions and related entities together to tackle this issue from different angles and approaches.”
He added, “This is where Hemaya International Forum plays a very important role as it clearly discusses the ‘Role of Security, Education and Research Institutions in Countering Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: The Current and Future Challenges” as a key conference topic under the theme, ‘Learn to Protect’ in order to understand the relationship between education and research as well as preventive and therapeutic institutions in dealing with the issue of drug control.”
He further stated that “There is no doubt that all the institutions are performing their duties and responsibilities, but through our follow-up, we found out that there is a gap between those who are working in these sectors and the scientific materials that are increasing day by day. With reference to one of the international reports published in the past five years, nearly 739 new substances that were not there before were found to be active and the effects of some of these substances are more dangerous than conventional drugs. In addition, it was revealed that the latest trends in drug abuse became more diverse than ever and drug users started taking more than one substance over a short period of time, which speeds up the pace of their addiction. Furthermore, the age of abuse has rapidly declined to a younger age group and the number of drug addicts and users have considerably increased in comparison to previous years, therefore, it has become more challenging for the concerned authorities to deal with this enormous amount of knowledge and information. The matter requires more than just cooperation and coordination between these institutions to enable future generations who are capable of predicting the risks resulting from these variables and developments and address them in an effective manner.”
On his part, Colonel Khalid Ali bin Muwaiza, said, “Hemaya International Forum has become one of the most important events on drug issues in the Arab world that brings together officials, experts, specialists and various community groups, as well as students under one platform to open the doors for a mutual dialogue.”
He added, “This year the Hemaya International Forum features the participation of many international institutions and universities concerned with the drug issue, including the United Nations, UNESCO, the Pan Arab Bureau for Narcotics Affairs, the Arab Interior Ministers Council, the University of Wales -Britain, the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences – Saudi Arabia, the Dubai Police Academy, the Higher Institute of Cinema – Egypt, and many other therapeutic institutions. By gathering these institutions under one roof, we aim to create a sustainable and positive relationship that enable us to develop our capabilities to deal with this problem that has become a threat to countries, communities and families.”
He stated “During the Hemaya International Forum, experts will discuss a number of important topics under various themes such as ‘The challenges of the knowledge & scientific gaps and their impact on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the academic and training role of the smart and electronic programs in combating drug abuse, the scope of the relationship between the law enforcement bodies and the educational institutions and the mechanisms for consolidating sustainable partnerships’ among others.”
He further said “The conference will also feature a number of training workshops specifically designed for professionals involved in the fight against drug abuse and addiction such as ‘The challenges of money laundering crime and its role in financing illicit trade of drugs and psychotropic substances, Role of websites marketing for drugs and the mechanisms for combating and encountering them and Hemaya ambassadors and their role in drug prevention.”
Additionally, Colonel bin Muwaiza said, “As part of the development of our projects and in line with Dubai Police’s vision to enhance the smart and electronic infrastructure for all its activities, we have developed the forum to ensure the participation of as many visitors as possible by opening the e-attendance for all the forum activities and awarding an Electronic Certificate of Attendance at the conclusion of the forum. Moreover, we work on communicating the idea of the forum to future generations, stressing the importance of student participation in this event and offering their support through suggestions, recommendations and ideas.”
He further added “We also seek to build a common Arab vision by implementing various preventive and awareness programs related to combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in order to build lasting relationships as well exchanging experiences. In this regard, this year, we will further strengthen our relations with Addiction Treatment & Abuse Fund – Egypt.”
From his side, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of INDEX Holding said, “It gives us great pleasure to be partnering with Dubai Police for the 2nd consecutive year to organize Hemaya International Forum in Dubai. As part of the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda which aims for the UAE to be the safest place in the world and ensure a drugs-free crime-free society, the Hemaya International Forum aims to contribute in reducing the destructive impact of drug abuse on our societies while also help in ensuring the safety of UAE citizens from any activity related to dealing, smuggling, peddling or using drugs.”
He added, “Apart from offering a comprehensive understanding about the impact of drug abuse on our societies, Hemaya International Forum highlights the role of police, family, educational institutions as well as the community in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs. Running parallel to the conference, the exhibition allows leading drug rehabilitation centers, laboratories, hospitals, non-profit organizations and anti-drug agencies a chance to engage with community leaders and experts combating drugs in our societies.”
Commenting on the event, Colonel Abdullah Matar Al Khayat, Manager of Hemaya International Center, said: “In line with the directives of the Dubai Police General HQ to promote awareness and prevention among students in both schools and universities, and to embody the slogan of this year’s forum ‘Learn to Protect’, we plan to reach the largest possible student segment during the current edition through several topics:
First: Enhancing our presence in universities through exhibitions and workshops to promote their participation in the forum, whether through ideas or suggestions.
Second: Launching the 5th edition of Hemaya Student Competition, in which more than 800 students have participated in the previous editions with unique works that we now use in our awareness and prevention programs. We also invite all students and young people to interact with us by participating in the competition which includes two categories: Short Film and Technical Drawing.
Third: Providing the opportunity for students to participate in the forum through a number of workshops and seminars, which will be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth, Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, the Youth Council of Dubai Police, and other relevant institutions.
Fourth: Providing the opportunity for as many students as possible to participate through the e-attendance of the forum and its activities, and contribute to it through recommendations.”
Conference topics and workshops:
Hemaya International Forum will tackle this year four important topics:
First: ‘The challenges of the knowledge & scientific gaps and their impact on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances’.
Second: ‘The academic and training role of the smart and electronic programs in combating drug abuse’.
Third: ‘The scope of the relationship between the law enforcement bodies and the educational institutions and the mechanisms for consolidating sustainable partnerships among them’.
Fourth: ‘The social responsibility of governmental and private institutions in supporting security and educational institutions to combat drug abuse’.
Exhibition Highlights:
Running parallel to the conference, the Hemaya International Forum exhibition occupying an overall space of 1800 square meters will offer leading institutions, NGO’s and civil society organizations concerned with the issue of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances such as Narco Analysis Equipment Manufacturers, Drug Rehabilitation Centers/Clinics, Drug Detection Equipment or Kits, Laboratories and Hospitals, Government Agencies, Drug Enforcement Agencies and Counselling Centers a chance to showcase their latest products and educational programs and activities to raise awareness about the threats facing society via drug abuse and addiction.
Hemaya International Forum and Exhibition on Drug Issues is annually organized by Dubai Police and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding in partnership with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event is supported by Anti-Narcotics Department UAE and Pan – Arab Bureau for Narcotics Affairs – Arab Interior Ministers Council and sponsored by Positive Soul, Dubai Police Students Council, Smart Police Station and 901 Call Center.
