Abu dhabi: Dubai Police, in partnership with the UAE National Anti-Doping Agency and Dubai Sports Council, will organise the Anti-Doping in Sport Forum on 17th September under the theme 'Protecting Sports. Protecting the Community'. The forum aims to bring together experts, officials, and researchers from various sectors to enhance athlete protection and promote clean and responsible sport.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will coincide with the start of Dubai's sporting season and aims to raise awareness of the health, legal, and ethical consequences of doping, especially among young and emerging athletes. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Dubai Police Officers Club, attended by several key figures including Abdullah Ahmad Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE National Anti-Doping Agency, and Brigadier Dr. Jassim Mohammad Hassan Abdullah, Deputy Director of the General Department of Training at Dubai Police.
Al Shehhi emphasized the importance of cooperation among athletes, clubs, federations, and both national and international organisations in tackling doping. He highlighted the detrimental effects of doping on athletes' health and the fairness of competition. Discussions during the forum will cover developments in anti-doping, prevention, athlete protection, emerging substances, institutional responsibilities, and international cooperation.
Brigadier Dr. Jassim Mohammad Hassan Abdullah stressed the importance of protecting young athletes through coordinated efforts involving police, sporting organisations, specialised authorities, families, and the wider community. He also underscored the media's role in providing accurate information and encouraging responsible decision-making.
Lieutenant Colonel Salem bin Ghalaita Al Muhairi stated that Dubai Police considers doping awareness part of its preventive and community responsibilities. The police conduct workshops, lectures, and visits to schools, sports clubs, and gyms throughout the year, including the Aware Athlete initiative, which promotes positive behaviour and community values.
Ali Omar Al Balooshi from the Dubai Sports Council noted that awareness of doping is crucial for athlete protection and sporting integrity. He stressed the need for athletes and their teams to stay informed about anti-doping regulations. The Dubai Sports Council also provides awareness programmes to ensure reliable information reaches athletes and sporting professionals.
The forum will address three main areas: the harmful effects of doping, the safe use of dietary supplements, and real-life experiences illustrating the consequences of doping. A specialised dietary supplements awareness exhibition will accompany the forum, encouraging athletes to consult qualified professionals when choosing supplements.