Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid chairs Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Cabinet on Wednesday approved the formation of the ‘Narcotics Control Council’ headed by Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

The Council will combat the menace of drug and explore ways of early detection and strengthening of medical, psychological and rehabilitative treatment mechanisms for the recovered, and their integration into society.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

“Today, I chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, during which we decided to form a ‘Narcotics Control Council’ headed by my brother Saif Bin Zayed,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed.

“Drugs are the scourge of this era, the cancer of societies, and an epidemic targeting our dearest possessions, targeting youth. Fighting it is a patriotic duty for every guardian and every government and security official,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The Cabinet also approved the National Strategy for Sports 2031, which aims to increase the practice of sports in society to reach 71% of the population, develop the performance of the professional sports elite, discover talented athletes in schools, update the methodology of school physical education, develop sports federations and develop sports law.

“Sports is the best alternative for our youth, and it is the shield for the health of our society, and it is the way to raise the flag of our country in many international forums,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed.

The Cabinet also reviewed a set of initiatives to adopt and encourage companies and individuals to use clean energy and green technology and support improving air quality. A working group was assigned to complete a study of regulating carbon emissions in the country before it is practically approved by the Council of Ministers.

“Preserving the environment is everyone's responsibility. We want economic development that takes into account preserving our environment for future generations,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.