The Dubai Police General Command, in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency and the Dubai Sports Council, is set to hold an Anti-Doping in Sports Forum on September 17. This event, themed “Protecting Sports… Protecting Society,” will feature the participation of local and international sports professionals dedicated to combating doping and promoting its prevention.
Announcement and Goals of the Forum
Yesterday, a press conference was held at the Officers’ Club in Dubai to unveil details about the forthcoming forum. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Brigadier Jassim Mohammed Hassan, Deputy Director of the General Training Department at Dubai Police; Major Salem bin Ghalita, Member of the Dubai Police Sports Integration Council; Abdullah Al Shahi, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Doping Agency; and Ali Omar, Director of Sports Development at the Dubai Sports Council.
Al Shahi explained that the forum will focus on three key areas, highlighting the efforts to enhance sports integrity, establish principles of fair competition, and safeguard the health and safety of athletes. He stated, “The forum will bring together experts, specialists, officials, and researchers from within the UAE and abroad, alongside representatives from sports, health, security, and academic institutions, to discuss the latest developments in anti-doping efforts and the prevention measures in place. We aim to share experiences and best practices on a global scale.”
A Shared Responsibility
He also emphasised that the fight against doping is a collective responsibility that encompasses athletes, clubs, sports federations, as well as health, educational, security, and national and international institutions. The forum aims to produce actionable recommendations and initiatives that bolster national efforts in this arena.
Brigadier Jassim Mohammed Hassan reinforced the notion that protecting athletes, particularly youth and juniors, is not solely the responsibility of one entity. “It requires a collaborative effort among law enforcement, sports organisations, and relevant authorities, alongside the family and society,” he remarked.
He further expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency and the Dubai Sports Council, commending their support in promoting the forum’s objectives to raise awareness across various target groups. “Education about the dangers of doping can only achieve its goals if it reaches the community through the media, which plays a vital role in disseminating accurate knowledge and highlighting the risks of doping and improper practices, thus cultivating a culture of prevention and responsibility among athletes, youth, and their families,” he stated, expressing hopes that the forum’s recommendations would contribute significantly to efforts to safeguard both athletes and the community while supporting Dubai’s sports sector.
Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
In addition, Major Salem bin Ghalita highlighted that Dubai Police’s commitment to raising awareness about the risks of doping forms part of their preventative and community role. This is demonstrated through the implementation of educational programmes and workshops throughout the year in schools, clubs, and sports venues in partnership with relevant authorities.
He noted that these initiatives include the “Aware Athlete” programme, which targets young athletes, promoting positive behaviour alongside physical and mental health while enhancing their ability to make sound decisions and steer clear of practices that could jeopardise their health and future. The forum will discuss three main themes, focusing on the harmful effects of doping on the sports sector, the safe handling of dietary supplements, and will showcase real-life stories illustrating the adverse consequences of the misuse of doping substances.
Additionally, an awareness exhibition dedicated to dietary supplements will be held alongside the forum, aimed at improving knowledge regarding responsible usage and underscoring the importance of consulting specialists rather than relying on unverified information or advice.