The General Women's Union (GWU) has started work on a Drug Prevention Track aimed at shielding families from drug promoters who use social media and online games to reach young people.
The track will be a strategic addition to the Cyber Pulse for Women and Family initiative. It was launched on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and is the product of a partnership between the GWU, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The development phase draws on the experience of the Cyber Pulse initiative, which operates under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. The initiative has trained more than 200 trainers and reached over 600,000 beneficiaries.
GWU Secretary-General Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi described protecting families and young people as a national responsibility. She said the partnership will be turned into practical, field-based programmes delivered by trained personnel through the National Cyber Pulse Network for Women and Family.
"Women's empowerment goes beyond traditional awareness-raising dimensions; it represents an operational line of defence aimed at safeguarding minds and protecting future generations,"
she said.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, stressed that protection starts at home. He said families need to recognise grooming techniques and discuss them with children early, and know when and how to seek help.
Rashid Hamad Al Shamsi, Director-General of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, said the project reflects the country's proactive approach to prevention amid rapid technological change. He noted that drug promoters increasingly exploit social media and gaming platforms, making the family the first line of defence. The partnership aims to help parents spot early warning signs and report incidents promptly.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
