UAE Launches National Anti-Doping Platform to Manage Athlete Therapeutic Exemptions
Read more
Khaleej Times
www.khaleejtimes.com

UAE Launches National Anti-Doping Platform to Manage Athlete Therapeutic Exemptions

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the National Anti-Doping Platform (NAPD). This unified digital system is designed to administer Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), which allow athletes to use substances or medications prohibited in sports.

The platform enables the electronic submission, verification, approval, and tracking of applications. Furthermore, it automatically sends notifications and checks data, as well as professional licenses through relevant government bodies.

The system also creates a national database of athletes and medical professionals. This supports data analysis, informed decision-making, readiness for doping-related risks, improved operational efficiency, and ensuring the fairness of sporting competitions.

The launch of the platform was carried out by the UAE Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and the National Anti-Doping Agency. Dr. Mai Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of the National Anti-Doping Agency, explained that the platform fully automates the process of submitting applications electronically. This includes document preparation, attaching medical reports, submission, status monitoring, and completion according to established rules.

This transition reduces reliance on paper forms and manual data entry, minimizes procedural errors, and increases the accuracy of the information provided. Dr. Al Jaber added that the platform helps medical specialists make decisions by giving them access to information about prohibited substances in sports and allowing them to check approved alternative treatments.

This contributes to preventing the unintentional use of banned substances while ensuring that athletes retain access to necessary medical care and treatment. The official start occurred after approximately one year of operation, during which the platform underwent testing and its procedures were refined in cooperation with various partners.

This period allowed for the automation of key anti-doping processes, simplified the processing of TUE applications, and improved data exchange between involved parties. The platform also allows for the cross-checking of data and professional licenses in coordination with government structures, ensuring that medical personnel working with sports organizations meet the required licensing standards and preventing athletes from receiving assistance from unqualified specialists.

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that NAPD is not limited to online application acceptance; it also serves as a preventive and regulatory tool supporting international anti-doping standards, improving interaction among athletes, doctors, and relevant authorities, and encouraging disclosure and verification before the use of medicines or medical products.

Services of the National Anti-Doping Platform are available on the website npad.ae, and the helpline can be found at 600566635.

Similar stories

New Nol-Jaywan Card in Dubai to Begin Trials, Offering Five Key Features
Read more
www.khaleejtimes.com

New Nol-Jaywan Card in Dubai to Begin Trials, Offering Five Key Features

Passengers in the UAE will soon be able to use their Nol card for more than just travel. The new Nol-Jaywan card, designed for Dubai, will include a range of new capabilities, integrating transport services with broader digital payment options.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the new cards will be rolled out in phases, starting with a pilot launch in November. These cards will merge the existing Nol system with the national UAE payment scheme, Jaywan.

The new Nol-Jaywan card integrates transport payments with expanded digital payment services. Passengers can use the Nol system while traveling and simultaneously benefit from payment services provided through Jaywan. This integration aims to link public transport with everyday services, offering residents and visitors more payment options using a single card.

The first phase of implementation will begin in November 2026 and will cover RTA public transport services, as well as public and private transport, including taxis and parking. The cards will be introduced in successive phases as part of the modernization project of the Dubai Nol system.

The modernization utilizes account-based ticketing technology, which is aimed at unifying various transport services and providing passengers with a more seamless payment experience. Furthermore, users will be able to activate and use the new cards via Android and iOS smartphones, giving them an additional way to manage cards and access services through mobile devices.

This feature is part of the RTA's efforts to simplify access to transport services through digital payment solutions. The new cards are also designed to support public and private transport services across the UAE. They can be used through online booking platforms for public transport, expanding passenger options for using transport outside of Dubai.

The initiative aims to connect different modes of transport and enhance payment convenience for residents and visitors traveling across the country. The new Nol-Jaywan cards will offer benefits beyond transport and payments, including access to over 120 advertising offers and exclusive discounts intended to add value to cardholders when using them for daily needs.

Although the announcement describes planned features, details such as wider public availability, card costs, and the necessity of replacing existing Nol cards have not been specified. The launch will commence with a pilot project in November 2026, followed by subsequent phases.

Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 has started: 12 activities available at Kite Beach
Read more
www.khaleejtimes.com

Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 has started: 12 activities available at Kite Beach

Today, October 31st, marked the first day of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) 2026. Dubai residents now have numerous opportunities to stay active, including trampoline jumping, obstacle courses, beach volleyball, and boxing.

The DP World 30x30 Fitness Village at Kite Beach officially opened to the public, celebrating the tenth anniversary of this event. During an exclusive media preview on October 30th, Khaleej Times explored this beach fitness zone as final preparations were underway for the opening.

This complex integrates sports activities, fitness classes, and interactive events designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. The goal is to encourage residents and visitors to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily for 30 days.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a registration area before several activity zones located along the beach. A central main stage is used for fitness sessions, while separate spaces for sports, strength training, wellness, and family activities offer diverse ways to move.

Among the attractive features is the Amazon Rebounder, where participants can take part in energetic trampoline workouts. This activity offers an alternative approach to traditional cardio training, combining jumping movements with a full-body workout.

For those seeking a serious physical challenge, there is the Nissan Navara Pro Obstacle Course, which tests participants' balance, strength, and coordination as they navigate a series of obstacles. Another specialized zone, Skechers Beach Warrior, offers fitness trials for more demanding training.

Team sport enthusiasts can head to the DP World Cricket Arena, and nearby are courts for beach football and beach volleyball, allowing friends and families to compete and exercise on the sand.

A dedicated court has also been allocated for basketball enthusiasts, and the Wasl Padel Arena provides an alternative for racket sports lovers. For skateboarders, the Emirates Skate Park is equipped with a special space for practicing skating skills.

Those who prefer structured workouts can explore the Puff fitness zones, which include spinning classes, circuit training, and the Engine Room for strength and conditioning exercises. Additionally, the DIEZ zones allow participants to try boxing, mixed martial arts, and high-intensity interval training to test endurance, strength, and overall physical fitness.

For those preferring a slower pace, the CBD Wellness zone offers wellness activities, while the dedicated Whoop Pilates, Body Work, and Lift zones are intended for those interested in flexibility, body conditioning, and strength training.

Water sports are also part of the complex's program, providing an opportunity to experience fitness outside of a traditional gym setting. In addition to the main sports areas, the complex includes the Talabat Playground for younger visitors.

The main stage is one of the central attractions, hosting a rotating program of group fitness classes throughout the challenge. Furthermore, the Whoop Run Club Hub serves as a designated meeting point for running enthusiasts, and additional partner activations are planned throughout the complex.

During the tour, organizers emphasized the variety of planned activities, noting that some zones are still being prepared for the official public opening. The complex is designed so that visitors can explore various training stations rather than focusing on a single activity, allowing them to combine sports, cardio, strength training, and wellness in one visit.

The DP World 30x30 Fitness Village at Kite Beach will operate from October 31st to November 29th, with free entry for visitors who register on site. Operating hours are from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, and from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Although activities and classes are free, visitors wishing to use specific sports facilities are advised to book sessions in advance.

The Dubai Fitness Challenge was launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and calls on people to dedicate 30 minutes to exercise every day for 30 days.

Popular