The Maldives was officially represented at a key regional sports integrity summit as Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu attended the 20th Asia/Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, held from 17 to 18 June 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This influential two-day forum drew over 80 senior delegates from 33 countries across Asia and Oceania, including ministers, government officials, and anti-doping experts, reinforcing collective efforts to promote fair play and clean competition in international sports.
The conference, organised with the support of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the UAE government, served as a crucial platform for cross-border dialogue and cooperation. Delegates focused on enhancing regional coordination and sharing effective strategies to address emerging challenges in the anti-doping landscape. One of the core agenda items was the preparation for the upcoming 2027 World Anti-Doping Code revision, an essential framework guiding global anti-doping practices.
Minister Abdulla Rafiu joined his counterparts from across the region to underscore the Maldives’ commitment to protecting the integrity of sport and ensuring ethical standards in competitive athletics. The participation also reaffirms the country’s growing presence in international sports governance, aligning with broader tourism promotion efforts that highlight the Maldives not just as a destination of natural beauty, but also as an active contributor to global sporting integrity and development.
This year’s summit marked the second occasion that the UAE hosted the Asia/Oceania Intergovernmental Meeting, having previously held the 17th edition in 2022, which welcomed 14 ministers from 36 participating nations. The most recent meeting before this one the 19th edition was held in Uzbekistan, drawing representatives from 38 countries. The 20th edition in Dubai attracted an even broader coalition of stakeholders including WADA officials, regional anti-doping organizations, and UAE governmental authorities.
By taking part in such international platforms, the Maldives continues to demonstrate its dedication to nurturing clean sports and building global partnerships. These efforts not only enhance the country’s sports diplomacy but also contribute to its image as a responsible and progressive member of the global community, an attractive destination for both leisure and professional sporting events.
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