New laws have been introduced to toughen penalties for the use of drugs in the UAE.
Doctors who issue "a prescription for a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance" without medical justification, or in breach of approved limits, face a minimum prison sentence of five years and a fine of at least Dh50,000 ($13,600). Pharmacists who dispense drugs without a licence, or without justification, also face five years in jail and a Dh50,000 fine.
Foreign citizens who break the country's drugs laws face deportation. Authorities can make exceptions, including if a court finds that such a punishment will "harm the stability of the family or deprive a family member of necessary care' state news agency Wam reported.
The changes to the law will also give federal health authorities and private health facilities more scope to establish rehabilitation centres for drug addicts, state news agency Wam reported.
As part of the move, the Emirates Drug Establishment is to be responsible for the regulation of medical products in the UAE. The previous law referred to the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Minister of Health and Prevention.
References to the Ministry of Interior are to be replaced with the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, "reflecting its central role in leading national efforts to combat narcotics-related crimes", Wam said.
President Sheikh Mohamed this year issued a decree establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Authority. The agency is tasked with tackling the trafficking and smuggling of drugs, as well as overseeing the rehabilitation and treatment of addicts.
Details
Through Her Lens: The stories behind the photography of Eva Sereny
Forewords by Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling, ACC Art Books
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
The specs
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Transmission: 10-speed auto
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