UAE National Rehabilitation Center promotes addiction prevention at Al Dhafra Health Forum 2026
NRC participated for the fifth consecutive year, serving as a Strategic Partner and Diamond Sponsor.
UAE – The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) presented its addiction prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services at the 5th Al Dhafra Hospitals Health Forum 2026, held from 4 to 6 November at Baynounah Educational Complex in Madinat Zayed, to promote community awareness and strengthen access to specialised care.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the forum brought together healthcare professionals, institutions and community organisations.
NRC participated for the fifth consecutive year, serving as a Strategic Partner and Diamond Sponsor.
During the three-day event, the Center engaged with visitors, students, families and healthcare professionals, providing information about its services and promoting prevention and early intervention.
Its awareness activities included educational materials on the risks associated with psychoactive substances, healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making.
Addiction prevention and family awareness
NRC Chief Executive Officer Yousef Al Theeb Al Ketbi highlighted the importance of community education and access to specialised treatment in protecting public health and improving quality of life.
He explained that the Center’s activities addressed different aspects of addiction prevention, including life skills for young people and the knowledge families need to recognise potential risks and support those affected.
Al Ketbi also emphasised the relationship between public awareness and clinical expertise, noting that both are necessary to improve understanding of addiction and connect people with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services.
As part of the forum’s community programme, Hassan Mahmoud Al Hammadi, representing NRC, delivered an interactive theatre session titled “Life Skills” for students.
The session focused on developing practical skills, encouraging positive behaviour and helping young people make informed choices.
Al Hammadi also addressed families at the Senior Citizens’ Majlis, where he introduced the Center’s treatment and rehabilitation services and discussed how parents and other family members can help protect children from drug-related risks.
Scientific programme highlights clinical approaches
NRC contributed to the forum’s scientific programme through a lecture by Dr. Mohammed Abdulsamad, a psychiatrist at the Center, titled “Understanding Addiction Within the Impulsive-Compulsive Spectrum: A Transdiagnostic Approach”.
Delivered on 4 November, the presentation examined connections between addiction disorders and impulsive and compulsive behaviours.
The lecture highlighted the importance of comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to understanding addiction and informing specialised treatment practices.
In addition, NRC medical and specialist teams attended scientific lectures and workshops under the forum’s accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme.
The sessions provided opportunities to exchange clinical knowledge, review medical practices and support continuing professional development.
The Al Dhafra Hospitals Health Forum brings together healthcare institutions, government agencies, private sector organisations and medical specialists to discuss healthcare developments, promote public awareness and strengthen collaboration across the region’s health system.
NRC’s participation covered several areas of its mandate, including prevention, early intervention, clinical treatment, rehabilitation and professional education.
The Center also used the event to engage with community groups and healthcare providers on the importance of recognising addiction risks and seeking specialised support.
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