Dr Hamad Al Ghaferi, director general of the National Rehabilitation Centre speaking during the WHO Drugs Conference in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National 
 Dr Hamad Al Ghaferi, director general of the National Rehabilitation Centre speaking during the WHO Drugs Conference in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National 

UAE builds upon progressive strategy to tackle addiction



For the first six months after the National Rehabilitation Centre opened its doors in Abu Dhabi in 2002, such was the stigma surrounding addiction that only one person came forward for help. Since then, as word of its compassionate programmes has spread, the centre has gone from strength to strength and helped more than 3,500 patients. Now the centre, which this week is hosting a three-day World Health Organisation conference to improve international collaboration in the fight against substance abuse, is to become the foundation of a new training institute that will spread its progressive philosophy of care throughout the region by training staff to treat addicts.

Addiction is a problem that affects every nation and, despite Islam’s categoric condemnation of all intoxicants, a small minority in the Arab world suffer from it. In Abu Dhabi, a rise in drug-related arrests has necessitated the creation of dedicated courts. In the first six months of this year, police seized 600kg of narcotics and arrested 1,200 dealers and users. The work of the National Rehabilitation Centre, founded at the direction of Sheikh Zayed in 2000, is a perfect example of an increasingly nuanced and empathetic approach to this issue.

The judicial system has also recognised that punishment alone is no solution to what is essentially a medical problem. In 2016 the offence of using illegal drugs was downgraded to a misdemeanour, minimum sentences were halved and alternatives to prison, including fines, community service and enrolment in a rehabilitation programme, were introduced for first-time offenders.

It is right that smugglers and suppliers, who cynically exploit human frailties, should continue to feel the full weight of the law. But the UAE’s enlightened attitude to their victims recognises that human beings are fallible. Over the past 16 years, the National Rehabilitation Centre has rescued thousands from the abyss of addiction, helping them to return to their loved ones and their lives as useful members of society. By treating them all as patients, not criminals, the centre and its devoted staff daily honour the doctrine of compassion that is central to Islam.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT

Manchester United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Man United: Dunk (66' og)

Man of the Match: Shane Duffy (Brighton)

Fresh faces in UAE side

Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.

Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.

Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.

Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.

Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.

Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

FIGHT CARD

Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)

Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)

Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)

Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)

Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)

Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)

Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)

Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)

Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)

Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)

Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Asia Cup Qualifier

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

Result: Winners play at Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September

Fixtures:

Wed Aug 29: Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore

Thu Aug 30: UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman

Sat Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal

Sun Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore

Tue Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu Sep 6: Final

 

Asia Cup

Venue: Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Schedule: Sep 15-28

Teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, plus the winner of the Qualifier

What is type-1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.

It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.

Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.