Month: March 2025

On Zayed Humanitarian Day, we pause with deep respect and gratitude to honor the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He instilled in the hearts of the Emirati people the values of kindness, generosity, and compassion, making humanitarian work and social solidarity an essential part of our national identity and guiding principles.

Sheikh Zayed was a visionary leader who believed that the true foundation of nation-building lies in empowering people. His humanitarian and development efforts reached far beyond our borders, spreading hope and positively impacting countless lives around the world.

In the same spirit, the National Rehabilitation Center remains steadfast in its mission, guided by the vision of our wise leadership. We are committed to supporting all segments of society, ensuring that care and assistance are provided based on each individual’s needs. Through advancing our healthcare and rehabilitation programs, we continue to nurture the values of giving and social responsibility, carrying forward the noble path laid by the late Sheikh Zayed, renowned for his generosity and humanitarian spirit.

On this day, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, strengthening the principles of generosity and humanity, and serving our community with unwavering commitment. We wish our nation continued security and prosperity, and our leadership all the success as they carry forth the torch of compassion and humanitarianism to the world.

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region have successfully concluded a pivotal regional forum, setting the stage for stronger regional cooperation in addressing substance use disorders.

Over three days, healthcare experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives convened in Abu Dhabi for a comprehensive program of high-level panels, expert-led discussions, and interactive workshops. Key topics included integrating substance use disorder treatment into national healthcare policies, expanding access to rehabilitation services, preventing substance use initiation, particularly among vulnerable populations, advancing harm reduction strategies, and strengthening cross-border collaboration.

The forum resulted in key commitments, including outlining tailored strategies, emphasizing evidence-based interventions and culturally relevant prevention efforts to effectively address region-specific challenges.

Experts stressed the necessity of improved monitoring and evidence collection to track evolving substance use trends and inform more effective policies. Additionally, they underscored the role of communication technologies and behavioral sciences in developing targeted awareness campaigns and dismantling misconceptions surrounding substance use disorders.

Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, CEO of NRC, underscored the need for a holistic approach: “A strong public health response to substance use disorders requires integrating healthcare systems, policy frameworks, and community-based interventions. This forum has been instrumental in aligning regional efforts and advancing solutions that empower individuals on their path to recovery.”

The forum reaffirms the UAE’s leadership in global health partnerships and evidence-based rehabilitation. NRC remains dedicated to driving public health advancements through research, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring that recovery, well-being, and dignity remain at the heart of substance use disorder treatment.