emirates7 - Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), and Chairman of the Executive Board, held a meeting on Wednesday in Dubai with Witold Bańka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), accompanied by his delegation.
Among the attendees were Dr. Mai Al Jaber, President of the UAE’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO), Major General Dr. Mohammed Al Murr, Ahmed Abdul Malik, both members of the NOC Board, and Rafia Al Owais, Vice President of NADO.
The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 20th Asian and Oceania Anti-Doping Ministers’ Meeting 2025 and focused on key topics related to the Olympic and sports movement.
Central to the discussions was the increasing urgency of anti-doping initiatives, which remain a major concern in both the global sports and Olympic communities. The conversation underscored how ongoing developments in scientific research and specialized studies are prompting greater attention from international stakeholders.
The importance of educating athletes on the health risks of doping and its harmful impact on the fairness and credibility of sporting events was also emphasized. Both sides recognized the critical role of national and international bodies in promoting a just, transparent, and ethically grounded sporting environment.
Dr. Al Falasi praised WADA’s leadership and global efforts in advocating for clean and safe sport. He also highlighted the UAE’s notable achievements in this field, crediting the strategic approach adopted by the UAE NADO. This strategy includes clear, long-term objectives aimed at curbing the use of performance-enhancing drugs, which pose a serious threat to the integrity and values of sport.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing interest in enhancing cooperation between WADA and the UAE, through its National Anti-Doping Agency.
Among the attendees were Dr. Mai Al Jaber, President of the UAE’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO), Major General Dr. Mohammed Al Murr, Ahmed Abdul Malik, both members of the NOC Board, and Rafia Al Owais, Vice President of NADO.
The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 20th Asian and Oceania Anti-Doping Ministers’ Meeting 2025 and focused on key topics related to the Olympic and sports movement.
Central to the discussions was the increasing urgency of anti-doping initiatives, which remain a major concern in both the global sports and Olympic communities. The conversation underscored how ongoing developments in scientific research and specialized studies are prompting greater attention from international stakeholders.
The importance of educating athletes on the health risks of doping and its harmful impact on the fairness and credibility of sporting events was also emphasized. Both sides recognized the critical role of national and international bodies in promoting a just, transparent, and ethically grounded sporting environment.
Dr. Al Falasi praised WADA’s leadership and global efforts in advocating for clean and safe sport. He also highlighted the UAE’s notable achievements in this field, crediting the strategic approach adopted by the UAE NADO. This strategy includes clear, long-term objectives aimed at curbing the use of performance-enhancing drugs, which pose a serious threat to the integrity and values of sport.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing interest in enhancing cooperation between WADA and the UAE, through its National Anti-Doping Agency.