WAM DUBAI, May 23rd, 2013 — New legislation will be enacted to ban the import, selling and buying of banned performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing and equine sports.
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has given instructions for drafting the bill which will consider doping as a criminal act punishable by law.
Sheikh Mohammed said :” We have firm convictions of the fairness in horse races and other equine sports in the UAE. We are keen to find a legal framework that preserves it so as to set an example that will be emulated in complete compliance with laws and international standards governing the noble sports. This confirms our determination to safeguard equine sports, which is deeply entrenched in history and heritage.” Sheikh Mohammed has instructed the authorities concerned to expedite enactment of the bill as a preventive measure to combat the use of steroids in all forms and from its main roots.
The proposed law will criminalise any doping activities, from trafficking to consumption.
WAM/TF/Moran