The Role of Educational and Sports Institutions in Combating Doping Among Athletes and Youth in the United Arab Emirates

The 4th International Conference on Sports in Confronting Crime “Sports Without Crime” – Dubai Police General Headquarters November 25–27, 2013

Authors: Dr. Hamada Eid Nawar Al-Antably and Dr. Hisham Abdel Halim Mahmoud

Study Overview: This study aimed to identify the role of educational and sports institutions in curbing the spread of doping among athletes and youth, explore proposed methods for educational institutions to raise awareness regarding the dangers of doping, and examine the obstacles limiting the effectiveness of these institutions in combating doping. The researchers employed a descriptive survey methodology.

Participants: The study sample consisted of 392 participants selected randomly across multiple entities:

Sports Clubs (220 participants): Al-Ahli (Dubai), Al-Shabab (Dubai), Al-Jazira (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Dibba Al-Fujairah, Al-Ahli Fujairah, Ittihad Kalba, Al-Khaleej (Khorfakkan), and Al-Dhaid.

Sports Councils (32 participants): Dubai Sports Council, Sharjah Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare (20 participants).

Leaders Preparation Center in Dubai (20 participants).

Sports Guidance Personnel in the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone (20 participants).

Sports Activities Staff at Universities (80 participants): University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, and Higher Colleges of Technology (Male/Female).

An additional pilot sample of 35 individuals (outside the main study) was used to calculate scientific coefficients. A questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool.

Key Findings:

The necessity of exploring ways to cooperate with the National Anti-Doping Organization to raise awareness about the dangers of doping in sports.

Working to enact legislation and amend laws that criminalize doping among athletes and youth legally/criminally.

Incorporating concepts and principles into school curricula that deepen awareness of the dangers of doping.

A lack of media materials across local satellite and media channels addressing the issue of doping among youth.

Key Recommendations:

Ensure harmony and alignment between educational institutions (such as schools and universities) and sports institutions (such as clubs and sports federations) alongside the National Anti-Doping Organization to formulate a comprehensive national plan involving all relevant national institutions to combat doping.