Dubai: According to the new changes issued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan through a number of presidential decrees, in matters of attempted suicide, the court is given the discretion to send a person convicted of attempting suicide to a treatment institution instead of punishing them. However, a person assisting in any means another person to commit suicide will be punished by jail term.
Mental health support
In cases of emergency, individuals are urged to contact 999, which is the UAE’s police hotline.
The country launched a toll-free hotline this year to support people with their mental health and well-being as part of the country’s National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing. The Mental Health Support Line – 800 HOPE (4673), was set up to provide support to people coping with stress, fear or anxiety, particularly during COVID-19. The helpline aims to elevate mental health in the community, through a group of trained volunteers including leading psychologists and mental health professionals. The service is provided in a safe and confidential experience via phone and digital channels, to help the community cope with mental challenges resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The hotline is staffed every day from 8am to 8pm.
Ministry of Health and Prevention MOHAP’s psychological counselling line
MOHAP also launched a support line, where counselling is provided by psychologists from Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital.
Individuals seeking support can call or message on Whatsapp on the number - 04 519 2519.
The hotline is staffed from Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to 9pm.
Support for Indian expatriates
The Indian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE have set up a centre - Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK), which provides support to Indian workers in the UAE. Their services include providing psychological support and counselling in person as well as through teleconsultation.
Indians in the UAE can call the centre on their 24/7 hotline - 800 46342.
