Dubai’s first drug rehab clinic is set to open in days and will offer treatment to both citizens and residents.
Officials at the government-owned Erada Rehab and Treatment Centre (Erada loosely translates into ‘willpower’ in Arabic) are quietly aware of the role they will soon play.
“We are coming here to say that we would like to treat you, whoever you are,” said Dr Mohammad Fayek, Erada’s chief executive. “If you have a problem with drugs, we are here for you.”
The clinic’s mandate means that they can work with private individuals, state-owned hospitals and other government bodies to rehabilitate drug users. Erada Rehab and Treatment Centre is located on the city’s outskirts in Al Khawaneej, in a secluded area dotted with horse riding clubs and houses.
The small, walled-off complex is made up of a cluster of six villas. Nestled in between lies an astroturfed-covered courtyard with a tent shelter. Here, live-in patients will be able to rest and relax.