Help a drug addict with Dubai Police app

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Help a drug addict with Dubai Police app

Dubai - The app was unveiled on the sidelines of the two-day Hemaya International Forum that was held in Dubai.

by

Amira Agarib

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Published: Sun 28 Apr 2019, 10:42 PM

Last updated: Mon 29 Apr 2019, 12:50 AM

Using the latest innovations to win its war on drugs, the Dubai Police on Sunday launched their Hemaya smart application - which has been designed to reach out to the youth and spread awareness of the dangers of drug addiction. It even has a chatbot that can answer your questions and give you tips on how you can help a friend battling addiction.
The app was unveiled on the sidelines of the two-day Hemaya International Forum that was held in Dubai, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and organised by the Dubai Police and Index Conferences and Exhibitions.
"The application is a comprehensive digital platform that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and can answer all the questions related to the dangers of drug abuse. It also helps in identifying drug addicts; shows the locations of rehabilitation centres; and highlights the role of the family and parents in raising awareness," said Colonel Abdullah Al Khayyat, manager of the Hemaya International Centre, Dubai Police.
A number of electronic services for UAE residents can also be accessed through Hemaya, including remote education, 'Amna' chatbot assistance, a student programme, community initiatives, the Hemaya library, as well as reports and statistics centre. Users may also share their ideas on the issue through the app.
The idea of creating an application dedicated to curb drug abuse stems from the need to reach out to the youth, Col Al Khayyat said.
"Today, young people are victims of international gangs which do their best to reach our children. We must strive to be close to our children and engage them in the anti-drugs campaign with new, innovative methods of raising awareness," he said.
"We need to approach them through the means they prefer. This is how we came up with the idea of designing an application for smartphones."
The youth can easily download the app on their phones to learn more about how drugs can ruin lives. It also provides a channel for the users to report a suspected drug dealer or ask for help.
amira@khaleejtimes.com


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