Anti-Doping Awareness Programme continues nationwide efforts to promote sports integrity in the UAE

Sports & Championship

Anti-Doping Awareness Programme continues nationwide efforts to promote sports integrity in the UAE

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, the Anti-Doping Awareness Programme continues its series of educational activities aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency and fair play across the UAE sports sector. Jointly organised by Elite Sport UAE (ESUAE) and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), the programme was held at the Emirates Center for Sports Science and Sports Medicine, drawing more than 40 participants from various sports federations.

The initiative featured two dedicated lectures—one for athletes and another for coaches and administrative officials—delivered by expert Ahmed Ibrahim. Key topics included Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), athletes’ rights and responsibilities, doping control procedures, and compliance requirements under the National Anti-Doping Regulations.

Dr Mai Al Jaber, President of the National Anti-Doping Agency, reaffirmed the programme’s importance in advancing national efforts to cultivate a culture of ethical sportsmanship.
She noted: “The programme represents a national milestone in promoting fair play and in building a comprehensive framework to raise awareness about doping risks in line with international standards.”

Ms Safa Taryam, Executive Director of ESUAE, stressed the initiative’s role in athlete development and safeguarding integrity in competitive sport.
“Raising anti-doping awareness is fundamental to empowering elite athletes to compete with honesty while upholding the values that define sports excellence,” she said.

The lecture dedicated to athletes incorporated case studies and real-world scenarios, offering practical guidance on avoiding doping violations and understanding the long-term consequences on health, career trajectory, and the reputation of the UAE’s sports sector. The session also emphasised the importance of ethical conduct within clubs, national teams, and sports organisations.

The second lecture, aimed at coaches, administrators, and technical staff, explored their responsibilities in ensuring compliance with anti-doping regulations. It covered reporting mechanisms, documentation procedures, identifying suspicious cases, and measures to protect athletes from inadvertent violations.

Running until January 2026, the Anti-Doping Awareness Programme targets a wide range of stakeholders—including doctors, coaches, administrators, athletes of all ages, and parents of young sports talents. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Sports’ continued efforts to enhance sports governance frameworks, promote clean competition, and elevate the UAE’s status as a global leader in sports integrity and transparency.