In a landmark move to reinforce its national drug control strategy, the UAE has established a new federal body, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, through a decree-law issued by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The initiative consolidates the country’s legal, enforcement, and health-focused responses to narcotics, with the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) calling it a vital step toward combating drug abuse both locally and globally.
A New Federal Authority with Expanded Powers
Under a federal decree-law issued on August 3, 2025, the UAE officially established the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, replacing the General Department of Anti-Narcotics previously housed within the Ministry of Interior. This newly formed body operates as an independent federal entity under the UAE Cabinet and is tasked with leading the national agenda to combat narcotic 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’s commitment to ensuring the new body is anchored in capable governance. The Authority’s mandate covers a wide spectrum:
- Policy and Strategy: Drafting, refining, and executing national policies and legislation on anti-narcotics efforts.
- Coordination: Unifying federal and local government responses, and collaborating with judicial and law enforcement agencies.
- Operational Oversight: Monitoring, tracking, and dismantling drug smuggling and distribution networks.
- Prevention: Overseeing entry and exit points (land, air, sea) to detect and stop the movement of illicit substances.
By centralizing authority and resources, the UAE aims to improve the efficiency, responsiveness, and legal consistency of its anti-narcotics operations.
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Regulatory Control
The Authority has been granted wide-ranging powers to anticipate, detect, and respond to threats stemming from narcotics-related activities:
- Surveillance and Inspection: Working with national security and customs entities to inspect individuals, goods, and vehicles crossing UAE borders.
- Targeting Drug Supply Chains: Monitoring suspected activities and conducting operations to disrupt trafficking and distribution networks.
- Chemical Precursors Regulation: Proposing and enforcing rules related to “chemical precursors” — substances that can be used to manufacture drugs. This includes:
- Licensing systems
- Trading and storage requirements
- Customs clearance protocols
These proposals will be submitted to the Cabinet for final approval.
The Authority’s regulatory role extends to ensuring that all procedures and standards align with international best practices, while also being tailored to the UAE’s specific legal and security environment.
National Database and Integrated Coordination
To facilitate seamless collaboration across government entities, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority will also develop and maintain a centralised national database. This data hub will be accessible to all federal and local bodies engaged in drug control efforts. The purpose of the database is threefold:
- Crisis Response: Faster and coordinated action during narcotics-related emergencies.
- Information Sharing: Improved communication between enforcement and judicial agencies.
- Policy Development: Data-informed national strategies and monitoring systems.
This centralisation aims to eliminate duplication of efforts, close operational gaps, and enable timely interventions.
Global Recognition and Endorsement by ISAM
The newly established National Anti-Narcotics Authority has received strong international backing, most notably from the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM), a global body comprising addiction medicine professionals from over 93 countries. Founded in 1998, ISAM works to advance the treatment of substance use disorders through research, education, and global cooperation.In an official statement, ISAM described the UAE’s decree-law as a “vital and effective tool,” commending it for enhancing both the scope and structure of the country’s anti-narcotics efforts. The organization highlighted the Authority’s comprehensive framework, which integrates prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement, legislation, and international coordination.Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri, ISAM President and board member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), said the Authority’s mandate reflects a fully integrated strategy, one that addresses the supply and demand sides of drug control, supports community-based prevention, strengthens legal frameworks, and promotes cross-border training and knowledge-sharing.