UAE NADA: A successful journey in advancing sports integrity locally, globally

emirates7 - The UAE National Anti-Doping Agency (UAE NADA) continues to lead regional efforts in promoting integrity in sports through a comprehensive system that combines monitoring, education, and international collaboration. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies to identify violations, the agency strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a pioneer in anti-doping measures.

Established in 2009 by government decree to align with global anti-doping standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), UAE NADA has developed a strong regulatory and technical foundation focused on enforcement, prevention, and the promotion of ethical sporting practices.

The agency’s programmes encompass a wide range of local and international sports events held in the UAE. Specialized teams are tasked with sample collection and analysis at accredited laboratories. UAE NADA has also broadened its focus to include young athletes and amateur sports clubs, aiming to cultivate a future generation committed to clean sports practices.

In its awareness initiatives, the agency holds yearly seminars and workshops targeting athletes, coaches, and medical personnel across sports clubs, federations, and educational institutions. These sessions cover topics such as banned substances, athletes' rights and obligations, and testing protocols, which are regularly updated to reflect international standards.

Aligning with the UAE’s broader digital transformation goals, UAE NADA has adopted smart systems powered by artificial intelligence to analyze data and detect trends. The agency has also launched a unified digital platform for managing test records and coordinating with sports bodies — making it one of the first in the region to implement such an integrated digital system.

UAE NADA’s impact is further amplified through strategic partnerships with prominent local and global organizations, including the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Health and Prevention, the UAE National Olympic Committee, and various national sports federations. These collaborations aim to strengthen regulatory frameworks, promote knowledge exchange, and support unified efforts.

The agency also places a strong emphasis on developing local expertise, offering accredited training programmes that have produced national professionals qualified to operate as international doping control officers — enhancing the UAE’s influence within the global anti-doping community.

Dr. Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, President of UAE NADA, emphasized that maintaining sports integrity remains a top priority. She highlighted the agency’s commitment to upholding the highest global standards to ensure a clean and just sports environment in the country.

She noted that the agency’s comprehensive strategy centers on education, awareness, and strict oversight, while also investing in the continuous development of local talent through training and workshops for doping control officers — keeping pace with the latest global advancements.

Abdullah Ahmed Al-Shehhi, Secretary-General of UAE NADA, added that the agency is consistently evolving its operational programmes to match the latest scientific and technological innovations. He pointed out that the agency’s advanced digital infrastructure, powered by artificial intelligence, significantly boosts the effectiveness of its monitoring systems in alignment with WADA’s global benchmarks.