Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu represented the Maldives at the 20th Asia/Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, held from June 17 to 18 in Dubai. The high-level gathering brought together more than 80 senior officials from 33 countries across Asia and Oceania to reinforce regional cooperation in the fight against doping in sports.
The two-day summit convened sports ministers, national anti-doping authorities, regional bodies, and officials from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), along with delegates from the host UAE government. The meeting served as a key platform to exchange expertise, enhance cross-border coordination, and reaffirm collective commitments to upholding integrity and fairness in sport.
Minister Rafiu joined the discussions alongside international counterparts to share insights and deepen the Maldives’ engagement in global anti-doping initiatives. The forum also allowed participating nations to assess emerging challenges in the realm of doping and to refine strategic planning in preparation for the next iteration of the World Anti-Doping Code, scheduled for implementation in 2027.
In his remarks during the summit, UAE officials reiterated their country’s strong stance on clean sport and its ongoing investment in anti-doping infrastructure and policy. The UAE’s hosting of this year’s meeting marks the second time the nation has welcomed the ministerial summit—the 17th edition was also held in the Emirates in 2022. Last year’s 19th summit took place in Uzbekistan and featured representatives from 38 countries.
The ministerial forum continues to play a vital role in shaping regional anti-doping policies and enhancing collaboration between governments, international bodies, and sports organizations. This year’s meeting further highlighted the importance of collective vigilance and global solidarity in the pursuit of doping-free sport.
The Maldives’ participation in such forums underscores its growing commitment to ethical sporting standards and aligns with the government’s broader vision of fostering a clean, competitive, and internationally compliant sports environment.
